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About the IATA World Legal Symposium
The IATA World Legal Symposium is the world's premier annual aviation law event, with a reputation for insight, relevance and value among in-house counsel, private practitioners and government lawyers alike. The event is well known for its engaging subject matter, outstanding speakers, lively debate and, of course, some of the best networking opportunities you'll find anywhere in the industry.
Why should you attend?
- Gain valuable insights into latest developments, challenges, trends, and best practices in aviation law.
- Engage with industry leaders from across the globe who share their unique expertise and engage in lively debates.
- Connect with in-house counsel, private practitioners, and government lawyers, fostering collaborations and expanding your network.
Who will you meet?
- Airlines and airport representatives
- Academia and government agencies
- In-house counsel, private practitioners, and government lawyers
World Legal Symposium 2025 Testimonials
"The Legal Symposium remains the premier event for the Aviation legal community."Phil Duignan, Eversheds Sutherland
"WLS offers a unique opportunity for networking and discussing key legal developments affecting international passenger and cargo air transport."
Francisco Prat, Prat & Cia. Abogados
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Warsaw, Poland
Situated right in the heart of Europe, standing on the River Vistula in east-central Poland, Warsaw is major economic, academic, cultural and tourist hub with a dazzling array of historical sites and tourist attractions that captivates everyone who visits. It is both the capital of the Mazovia province, and of Poland itself since 1596.
The especially enchanting Old Town, being thoroughly reconstructed and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, shows the remarkable endurance of the capital. Today, Warsaw moves boldly forward and impresses with its charm as a modern, attractive and friendly metropolis attracting millions of tourists every year.
> More information about Warsaw
Visa requirements
We invite to check your country requirements before traveling to China to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, avoiding any unexpected issues at the border. If necessary, you can request a visa invitation letter during your registration, which will be provided once your registration is complete and fully paid.
The IATA TravelCentre provides passport, visa, health advice, and much more. Visit the IATA Travel Centre-Passport, Visa & Health Requirements.
Showcase your products and services to industry leaders, governments, international organizations, and subject matter experts.
Contact us to learn more about our Sponsorship & Exhibition opportunities, and secure your place at the IATA World Legal Symposium (WLS)! We are open to customizing an offer based on your business needs.
Please complete the form below and one of our team members get in touch with you shortly:
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Benefit from discounts on sponsorship and exhibition rates. Get on Board!
Constance O’Keefe Aviation Law Writing Award 2026
Sponsored by Studio Pierallini
IATA is pleased to announce the Constance O’Keefe Aviation Law Writing Award 2026.
This award is given in memory of Constance O’Keefe, former General Counsel of IATA. Known as Connie to her friends and colleagues, she had a profound passion for aviation law and a deep commitment to teaching legal writing as an adjunct professor at several law schools in Washington D.C. Connie was a beloved member of the air law community, and we are honored to present this award in her name.
The writing award is an exciting opportunity for students to gain industry recognition in aviation law and to network with leading industry professionals. It is part of IATA Legal’s continuing commitment to foster, encourage and develop the aviation lawyers of the future.
We will invite the winner to receive his or her award at the IATA World Legal Symposium which will take place from 17 – 19 February 2026 in Warsaw, Poland and will provide:
- Return travel to Warsaw, Poland
- Three nights’ accommodation (hotel TBC)
- Conference registration
Prospective candidates should carefully review the terms and conditions before submitting an entry. The winning entry shall be selected by January 2026.
Terms and Conditions of Entry
Candidate eligibility
To enter the competition, you must presently be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or JD course at a university or have graduated from such a course within the last 12 months. At the time of submission, you must not have obtained, nor be enrolled in, a postgraduate doctoral degree at any university (except for a JD).
Topic selection
Candidates must select one of the two topics set out below. The chosen topic must be clearly stated at the beginning of the paper. Submissions should demonstrate original thought, critical analysis, and clear relevance to the aims and interests of IATA’s Member airlines.
A. Critically assess the relevance of the common carrier concept to liability in today's airline industry
B. Critically assess the degree to which current competition law frameworks help or hinder private sustainability initiatives among competitors in the airline industry.
Submission requirements
All entries must be submitted by 18:00 Geneva time on 15 December 2025, by email attachment to wls@iata.org. Please mark the subject line as Constance O’Keefe Aviation Law Writing Award 2026.
Your entry may not exceed 5,000 words, excluding footnotes and references. All entries must be written in English and include formal academic citations (you may use the referencing system preferred by your university). The format is single spaced, 11-point Arial font.
Please complete, sign, date and attach a scanned copy of the cover sheet (pdf) to your entry. Do not indicate your name or other identifying information on any part of your entry apart from the cover sheet.
The winning entry shall be selected in January 2026.
World Legal Symposium 2025
WLS 2025 brought together over 300 delegates in Shanghai, China, at the W Shanghai - The Bund, from 18 to 20 February.
World Legal Symposium 2024
WLS 2024 brought together almost 400 delegates in Vancouver, Canada, at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, from 21 to 23 February.
World Legal Symposium 2022
WLS 2022 brought together almost 400 delegates in Paris, France, at the Hyatt Regency Paris Star, from 19 to 21 October.
Host Airline
Our Diversity & Inclusion Pledge
IATA believes that diversity of culture, gender, age, orientation, and experience boosts the success of the aviation industry. We actively encourage aviation professionals with diverse profiles to contribute to our events as speakers, panelists, facilitators, or in any other way.