The Interleges AGM 2008 took place in Umbria, Italy, around 50km North of Rome, at an idyllic working farm, Podernovo. The AGM was expertly organised and hosted by Stefano de Bosio of Studio Legale Nodari e Associati of Milan. Stefano is the Vice President of Interleges.

From a traditional Italian feast and flag-throwing display to an exclusive boat trip on Lake Braccano, as well as excellent food and wine, the Interleges members and guests were given a wonderful insight into this part of Italy during the AGM.

The beauty and quiet of Podernovo provided an excellent base for the business meeting, and there was a tangible strength and dynamism amongst members to drive Interleges forward. This was encouraged by the change in leadership of Interleges; Salim El Meouchi, who has led Interleges for the last three years, providing a devoted and tireless leadership following the death of Interleges-founder Stephen Rayner, has passed his Presidency onto Paul Keane, who has been a member of Interleges from its conception, and a strong and inspiring member of the Executive Committee for most of his membership.

In 2006 Interleges founded The Stephen Rayner Award in memory of its co-founder Stephen Rayner of London. Now in its third year, this award has become an established annual event focussing on international commercial law and international dispute resolution, and striving to further the rule of law.

Contract law is at the heart of international commerce. Is the Common Frame of Reference on contract law proposed by the European Commission an inspired idea or a distraction?

Following some excellent quality submissions to this question, the Stephen Rayner Award judges – Dr. Arthur Appleton, Counsel White and Case International Trade LLP, Massimo Vittori, Secretary General of Organisation for an International Geographical Indications Network (OriGIn), Salim El Meouchi, President of Interleges, Stefano de Bosio, Vice-President of Interleges and Paul Keane, Interleges Executive Committee member- have awarded first place to Katherine Lim who is currently studying Law at BPP Law School in London.