PATRON OF THE MONTH. Graduates of the UL FL and partners inspire research, understanding, education

Marking the 100^th anniversary since establishment of UL Faculty of Law, the 7^th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia Faculty of Law "Legal Science: Functions, Significance and Future in Legal Systems I" will take place in Riga from the 16^th to 18^th of October. The conference will honour both the significant anniversary of studies and research in Latvian legal studies, and the contribution brought by the faculty to development and renewal of our country’s national legal system.

University of Latvia lawyers – the cornerstone of the Republic of Latvia

The dean of UL FL, assoc. prof. Dr. iur. Anita Rodiņa points out that this scientific conference will outline a new vector of faculty’s evolution, international recognition and scientific capacity not only within Latvia, but also in European and global context: “The academic staff of the faculty have been a cornerstone in development and improvement of the most important legal acts of the country. The involvement in restoring the independence of the state, is, in a way, a heritage of the faculty’s lecturers.” The dean emphasizes that “today’s beneficiaries should continue to support the University of Latvia, as it shapes our future – the people who will set the course of tomorrow. Money and values invested in supporting the UL are sown in fertile soil, enriching the future”.

Participants and audience of the conference will improve their knowledge in the field of law. About 100 research papers will outline the challenges facing the industry, highlight the importance of legal science for economy, international relations and national security, and feature the contribution of lawyers to development and functioning of a legal system, which becomes more complete and modern through their efforts. The biggest patrons and supporters of the event are attorneys-at-law “Adversus”, “Cobalt”, “Ecovis Conventus”, “Rasa & Ešenvalds”, “Rode and Partners”, “Sorainen”, “Viktors Tihonovs Law Office ”, “Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns” and Jānis Kārkliņš, Māris Vainovskis, “Latio”.

Research, understanding, education – the path and effective solution to the problem

“Education is a process, furthermore – a lifelong process. In particular, a lawyer is one of those professions unimaginable without independent development, improvement of existing knowledge and skills,” says the most generous conference patron Māris Vainovskis, who supports his alma mater regularly by donating to various large-scale projects of the University of Latvia, including UL Alumni Trail, UL FL magazine “Juridiskā zinātne/Law”, UL Business Incubator, organisation of moot courts, preparing scientific publications and many more. The patron is delighted that he has succeeded in supporting both the most talented scientists and the development of science, as well as the initiatives of students and graduates of the University of Latvia. In addition, in 2015 M. Vainovskis and “Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns Law Office” established a scholarship to carry out research in law “Contemporary Challenges to Theory and Practice of Law Enforcement in Latvia”. During the academic year 2019/2020, the motivational support to young researchers of FL and their mentors will be provided for the 5^th time. “It is important for us to raise the quality of education, open the door for students to new knowledge and experience, and strengthen science and industry progress, which is vital to the country’s growth and prosperity,” the patron explains his motivation to support the UL and higher education.

Attorney at law M. Vainovskis is a graduate of the University of Latvia and a doctoral candidate in law, a senior partner of “Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns Law Office” with extensive experience in banking, finance, commercial law, IT and EU law. “Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns” is a part of a network of 69 offices in 34 countries worldwide. It provides legal assistance in all the areas of business-related law: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to financially support the FL Conference, as well as to share our knowledge. One of the conference topics is celebrating another anniversary – 200 years have passed since the abolition of serfdom in the Baltics. This event significantly influenced the formation of Latvian state. Thus, the science of law cannot be viewed in isolation from our country, society – the science of law, the legal system and its quality directly or indirectly affects the daily life of every citizen in the country. In its turn, the quality of the Latvian legal system is largely determined not only by the body of laws and regulations, but also by theory and practice of law enforcement. Consequently, it is imperative to promote the improvement of legal science and to involve wider public in its evolution. Such conferences are an integral part of science and growth.”

Contributing to science of law

“Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns Law Office” frequently and actively contributes to advancement of the state, business and investment environment, and supporting the conference dedicated to the anniversary of University of Latvia Faculty of Law is a part of the goal. “At this momentous event, legal representatives from Latvia and abroad will look at the importance of legal science in a variety of fields, including national economy and international relations.”. The conference will be attended by the leading partner of “Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns Law Office”, attorney-at-law Agris Bitāns, the partner and attorney-at-law Elīna Muciņa, the partner and attorney-at-law Ginta Krūkle and the senior associate, attorney’s-at-law assistant Krista Bērziņa.

Another great contribution to the development of the UL Faculty of Law has been made by the company “Latio” (1991). The generous UL patron is the leading full-service real estate company in Latvia. “Latio” chair of the board Edgars Šīns is delighted to start a new partnership and to contribute to the education of young professionals, expanding the capacities of the profession.

In the future, the UL Faculty of Law will continue to organize international scientific conferences, attracting the most prominent law science lecturers and practitioners, inspiring the science of law in Latvia. You can find out more about the conference on its official website.