Youth Forum

Law pertaining to the creative industries – and the fashion industry in particular – is a field which is becoming popular with young people. Currently, there is little in the way of comprehensive theoretical research on legal issues facing the fashion industry. However, a unique practice is gradually taking shape to protect Russian design, style, fashion, and creativity. Legal support in the fashion industry is a relatively new area of law, which focuses on solving everyday issues encountered by professionals. However, terms for this field have already found their way in the legal lexicon of several languages. These include UK and US English (fashion law), French (droit de la mode, droit du luxe, droit du design), Italian (diritto della moda), and Spanish (derecho de la moda, although the English term is also often borrowed). Is the fashion industry really in need of special regulation, or does fashion law merely consist of well-known legal aspects in new packaging? What should be done to consolidate the efforts of lawyers and people working in the popular creative industries in order to establish consistent and clear rules? What difficulties in terms of legislation and law enforcement practice exist in relation to fashion law today?

In the present day, the quality of medical care is contingent upon numerous factors, including society's comprehension of potential risks in healthcare provision, the promotion of risk prevention and mitigation, and the adoption of measures to redress the outcomes of risk occurrence. Medical activities, by their very nature, involve high-risk operations, where the outcome is likely but not predetermined. The most correct actions that result in maximum patient benefit can, unfortunately, culminate unfavourably for the patient. According to current legislation, medical practitioners must establish their own innocence, as they can face administrative or criminal accountability. In accordance with the principles of informed consent and autonomy, patients possess not only the right to receive comprehensive information regarding their diagnosis, treatment, and variations thereof, but also the right to make independent decisions, provided that such choices do not contradict Russian legislation. Nevertheless, certain patients' actions exhibit clear signs of extremism, adhering to the paradigm of "the patient is always right." Consequently, it is vital to safeguard the rights of both patients and medical workers to create an efficiently functioning and progressive medical care system, as well as an entire healthcare system. The challenge is to attain a balance between medical care standards and physicians' discretion. How can communication between doctors and patients concerning medical care provision be established? What are the criteria for evaluating medical care quality? What ethical dilemmas surface during the provision of medical care presently? What triggers and results from patient extremism?

A Russian federal project focusing on tech entrepreneurship at universities has been in place for the past few years. Over that time, more than 100 universities have launched Startup as a Degree programmes, and several hundred student founders have won Student Startup grants. That said, there are still many regulatory and organizational barriers which are hindering the rapid growth of youth entrepreneurship at universities. Discussing these issues could serve to improve the investment climate for students aspiring to become entrepreneurs or develop entrepreneurial skills. How compatible is higher education with startups in the context of the Startup as a Degree initiative? Why do only around 15% of Russian universities have such a programme in place? What kinds of government support does a student entrepreneur expect in order to help them launch their business? Why is it that small innovative companies have not stepped in to help drive entrepreneurship at universities?

The challenges of today require renewed focus, and the free legal aid system is no exception. It has become vital to rapidly find ways of extending legal aid to new categories of people. Those participating in the special military operation and protecting Russia’s border territories often have severely limited access to high-quality paid legal assistance. This not only applies to military personnel, mobilized citizens and volunteers themselves, but also to family members. Russia’s probation system also needs effective tools to allow released convicts to have timely access to legal assistance. Issues such as these require further evaluation by the human rights community. Legal clinics play a special role in the free legal aid system. These well-established institutions have done much to raise general legal awareness, and are also an effective training tool for lawyers. In focusing on practical skills, they are following today’s trend for greater practical emphasis in higher education, including in jurisprudence. The needs of the labour market are a key factor here, with increasing demand for competent, mobile, and competitive professionals. Today, people have good awareness of legal clinics, which meet an important need for those requiring free professional legal aid. The categories of people qualifying for free legal assistance are set out in article 20 of the federal law, “On Free Legal Aid in the Russian Federation”. These include people in need of additional social welfare, assistance, and protection due to difficult personal circumstances, disease, financial situation, or age. Young legal students are ready to provide such assistance. However, this must be done in a measured and competent manner. Mechanisms need to be in place to check the quality of aid provided. These should involve both university teaching staff and management. What is meant by the term “socially vulnerable”? Do people have access to high-quality free legal aid? How have legal clinics helped provide legal assistance to socially vulnerable people? What can be done to expand social guarantees in a timely and focused manner to those participating in the special military operation and their families? What effective tools can be employed to integrate the free legal aid and probation systems?

Interest in becoming a professional lawyer is not diminishing among final-year students and graduates. However, there is still no clear set of criteria from the professional community regarding what requirements must be met to qualify for the status of professional lawyer. That is true both of formal requirements as outlined in law, and of personal qualities and values that future lawyers should possess. This session will seek to clarify what young lawyers who are just starting out on their career path should expect in the current reality, and what they should be prepared for (aspects which also serve to increase awareness of their choice of profession). Professionals in their field will also share their personal experiences and views of what it means to be a lawyer. In addition, consideration will be given to the proposed amendments to the Russian federal law on the practice of law, and the implications for those entering the profession and performing duties within it. What does the practice of law entail today? What are the aims and objectives of lawyers today? Do genuine opportunities exist for a lawyer to professionally perform their duty to protect people’s rights and interests as outlined in law? Does reforming the legal profession really entail a loss of independence for the legal community? What should a young professional seeking to become a lawyer prepare themselves for? What knowledge and skills are important to possess? What criteria should be employed to understand whether a person is ready to become a successful lawyer?

The protection of visibility is one of the most important aspects of law in society today, reasonably formed by the participant in civil law relations. At the same time, the general doctrine of the protection of visibility has not yet been fully developed within domestic legal doctrine, meaning that its regulatory potential is unrealized, and the practical issues associated with it are often resolved intuitively and chaotically. Session participants will discuss the meaning of the doctrine of visibility in property law through the example of the protection of property acquisition in good faith, proprietary rights (easement, pledge, etc.) and encumbrances (lease, loan). The solutions offered by the doctrine of visibility in the area of rights of claim are also of interest. A discussion will also be held on protections for bona fide purchasers of exclusive rights and the issues arising from this approach about the visibility of law features in the context of the intangible and reproducible nature of intellectual property, as well as the requirements for the state registers of rights to such objects that create the visibility of law. The doctrine of the visibility of law may also be useful for addressing important issues related to consumer credit (especially remote lending). In the digital age we can receive banking services online, without having to go to a branch. The flip side of this convenience is the easier access for third parties, including fraudsters. A fair approach needs to be developed for managing dispute resolution when a third party, rather than a consumer, obtains a loan in this way.

Corporate governance permeates almost all aspects of a modern company, and in the new social and economic conditions, corporate governance in Russian corporations has proven to be effective, and corporate bodies have shown that they are able to make quick and well-judged decisions. Experts' fears that Russian companies will curtail the development of their ESG policies and projects have largely turned out to be unfounded due to the influence of stakeholders on the corporate decision-making process. The government is continuing to develop its environmental policy for sustainable development, with a strong eye on its ambitious goal to build a circular economy. What are the key corporate governance issues in the current environment? How does a corporate agreement become a mechanism of corporate governance? How are companies managing ESG policy in the changing environment? What is the role and importance of boards of directors given the current instability?

Scientific progress is a natural consequence of improving living standards, better education, increased knowledge, and growing investment in research. Over the course of several centuries, industrialists have been willing to invest heavily in research, particularly in relation to developing competitive products, reducing production costs, or improving individual stages of product promotion. Ultimately, the goal was one of increasing profits. Thanks to scientific and technological progress, people today are able to solve many of their problems. Infertile couples can have children; organ transplants can be performed on people who would have previously had no chance of survival; and children born with genetic diseases can be treated. Technology has also helped to increase crop yields and do much else to combat famine. A lot of routine medical operations can be entrusted to artificial intelligence, with an increase in productivity and quality as a result. All this, however, has major legal implications, which require careful study and assessment. These include ethical and legal risks associated with the use of such technologies in situations falling under civil and family law. These are life-changing technologies, and not only for the user. Assisted reproductive technologies have allowed children to be born whose biological and social parents are different. These children’s legal family status continues to be ambiguous. Scientific and technological progress is a fact of life. It is not the task of the legal field to halt it, but to adapt traditional regulation in line with scientific accomplishments and new opportunities. What approach should be taken to assessing the legal and ethical risks of using biotechnology today? What legal mechanisms exist to protect the interests of society, the state and the public in relation to the use of biotechnology? What should be done to protect the rights of children and parents in relation to the use of assisted reproductive technologies?

During the workshop, State Duma deputies will talk about the intricacies of the legislative process, share their experience of drafting and passing federal laws, and reveal how to become a deputy or complete an internship in the field of law.

Law is a popular choice of degree course among students. Even so, there remains a high level of demand in the market for professional legal services. There is a growing need for high-quality education to be provided within Russia, given the difficulties in travelling abroad to study. Many intellectual processes are undergoing a process of robotization. This means that lawyers who do not possess the skills required by employers will find themselves less in demand on the labour market. As far as training is concerned, young people are becoming less interested in traditional methods of study, and are turning to more modern approaches, such as gamification. However, educational programmes at universities currently only offer one main form of interaction between the institution itself, students, and employers. This focuses on various forms of placements and internships. In turn, any practical experience gained by students happens in isolation from the education process, and is often perfunctory in nature. What alternative forms of cooperation exist today? What can be done to encourage students to play an active role in these initiatives?

Over the past few decades, a new field of research has emerged which has generated a good deal of interest in terms of legal theory and practice. Specifically, it relates to computer games, and primarily, multiplayer games. This field and the issues stemming from it are of importance for three reasons. Firstly, computer games themselves are now an integral part of popular culture today. They are immensely popular – indeed, they make up one of the most commercially successful forms of interactive media. At the same time, they are often used to convey social, political, cultural, and other ideas. Secondly, legal challenges to do with computer games are at the forefront of the discourse on legal regulation of digital technologies. This ranges from issues related to virtual property, to digital identity. As a result, these legal challenges can serve to help develop new legal approaches. These could include approaches which employ theoretical modelling, which has long held importance among the Russian and international academic communities. Thirdly, the very subject lends itself to gaining a greater understanding of certain aspects of law, whether or not they relate directly to computer games or the gaming industry. In that way, it resembles how proposals were made back in the 1990s to evaluate studies pertaining to internet regulation, or cyberlaw. This area is also relevant when examining a related phenomenon – that of virtual worlds beyond gaming. This technology has continuously developed alongside the multiplayer gaming industry. And sometimes, the boundaries between the two have been blurred. This has been true since the inception of the internet and the emergence of genres such as MUD and MUSH. Today’s metaverses can be said to represent the next step in the development of technologies related to virtual worlds. The graphical component was already in place in the 1990s (VRML), and certainly in the 2000s (Second Life and others). However, today we are witnessing the development and introduction of end-to-end digital technologies, including blockchain. As society undergoes the digital transformation, it has become essential to develop the legal field in such a way as to be able to address issues of concern in virtual universes and computer games. Where do the limits of law lie in relation to interactions in virtual universes and multiplayer computer games? What specific aspects are inherent in the legal regime governing virtual platforms that deal with real money? How might virtual representations of users be subject to personal non-property rights and come under the concept of personal data? What legal models governing interaction between service/platform owners and users currently exist?

Inheritance and family relationships that transcend national boundaries present complex legal problems that demand a comprehensive approach. This entails beginning with the identification of the applicable law that governs marital and inheritance relationships and culminating with the determination of the most appropriate jurisdiction for resolving family or inheritance disputes. Particularly challenging, though equally intricate, legal issues arise in parent-child relationships, particularly regarding cross-border enforcement of child support and international child abduction. In the current climate of unilateral economic measures, these legal relationships are undergoing significant transformations. They are shaped not only by rapidly changing legal regulations but also by foreign policy considerations that impact the enforceability of inheritance and family rights. Hence, this section will examine the legal problems typically encountered by lawyers when handling cross-border family and inheritance relations. It will also consider those issues that are pertinent in the present foreign policy landscape.

This session will look at key aspects to do with social and human rights work, and the role that these fields play in the professional development and personal growth of young lawyers. Particular attention will be paid to current social initiatives involving both experienced and novice specialists. Leaders of youth movements will share their personal experience. What experience can a lawyer gain by becoming involved in social initiatives and human rights work? What examples should young lawyers consider? What skills, abilities, and professional qualities can be developed through becoming involved in important social initiatives?

In the view of insolvency (bankruptcy) experts, the development of the institution of bankruptcy under the current pro-credit model of Russian bankruptcy law has come to a standstill. Statistical data show that the percentage of creditors' claims satisfied has not been higher than 5% for several decades. This percentage has declined in recent years. Meanwhile, the pro-creditor model, with its inherent tools of subsidiary liability and contestation of transactions, has sharply increased. Is the "stick" development method an effective way forward? Is it possible to increase the efficiency of bankruptcy proceedings by developing rehabilitation procedures without a change in bankruptcy law? Is it possible to effectively combat abusive practices in bankruptcy under the current model of appointment of bankruptcy trustees? Is it necessary to further expand the instruments for combating abusive practices in bankruptcy (subsidiary liability, out-of-competition challenge, group insolvency)? Does the "stick" method work without the "carrot"?

Russia’s education system is currently being overhauled with a view to securing technological sovereignty and global leadership in fields that lie at the very forefront of current knowledge. The subject of law similarly requires substantial reform so that it serves as a driver of such development, rather than a brake. Legal experts are needed in what are completely new, pioneering fields. However, are universities and individual faculties currently well-placed to meet industry demand? What is the nature of this demand, exactly? What new career paths are opening up for law graduates today? What can be done to develop new skills? Should the emphasis be on educational programmes, further professional education, a microdegree system, research and project work, or practice and work placements?

During the session, speakers will discuss formats for engaging young people in the electoral process. They will also discuss successful practices of training and preparing public observers from among students at Russian universities and colleges. In addition, the speakers will share their experience in developing forms of interactive practices for the training of public observers, in a way that is suitable for young people. What is the role of the institution of public observation as a tool for increasing the legal and political awareness of young people? How will the development and improvement of the infrastructure of this institution in Russia take shape?

The establishment of a BRICS international investment arbitration centre is currently being discussed at the highest level. Indeed, in the current environment, such an institution is more relevant than ever. International arbitration institutions based in unfriendly states lack the impartiality and independence required to resolve investment disputes. Meanwhile, trade and economic ties are growing between BRICS member states. This is creating a need for common institutions which could help forge long-term partnerships. A new arbitration centre could eliminate a range of obstacles currently hindering the initiation of arbitration proceedings arising, for example, as the result of an obsolete regulatory framework. What’s more, investment arbitration not only helps strengthen relations between states; it also makes a region more attractive to private investors. A multilateral agreement to protect investment will pave the way to setting up a body able to examine investment disputes. In addition, other guarantees needed to foster an attractive investment climate will be secured. Investment arbitration can also drive change in relation to national regulation, as the arbitration system across the BRICS nations develops as a whole. What should be done to ensure that mistakes are not repeated, and that solutions are found to current problems? What approach is needed to protect the interests of investors in efforts to entice them, while not sacrificing the interests of the state? How should a balance best be struck? What would make such a BRICS institution more attractive to other countries? What would be the main aspects to come under the purview of a BRICS arbitration centre? What additional international acts upholding the work of arbitration centres are needed today? What amendments aimed at supporting the arbitration centre have already been made to national legislation?

Nations in East Asia are beginning to occupy a key place among the globe’s political and economic centres. China has already become Russia’s biggest trading partner. Meanwhile, trade with India and the countries of Southeast Asia is growing. As Russia begins to work more closely with Asian nations, there will be an increasing need to support joint ventures across various sectors, including mining, the automotive industry, and developing the Northern Sea Route, amongst others. Given that Asia is now the main focus in terms of forging international ties, there is a risk of more business disputes occurring in this region. As a result, the role of arbitration centres – such as the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission and other Asian arbitration institutions – will increase. At the same time, it is also important to understand the problems that lawyers and businesses from Asia face in Russia. Another factor is the clear lack of knowledge in Russia regarding the country’s neighbours in Asia. This is down to there being an insufficient number of experts who have a strong grasp of the social, political and legal aspects of working with these countries. A number of steps therefore need to be taken to address these issues. Academic and applied research on the law in Asian nations needs to be developed, and training must be provided for future professionals specializing in interactions with East Asia. These people will need to understand the fundamentals of the legal culture of Asian countries, as well as the terminology used in legislation. They will also have to have an idea of the mentality that partners in the region tend to possess, and to have a grasp of the specificities of doing business there. If these steps are not taken, lawyers in Russia may find themselves unable to provide legal support to organizations working with partners based in China, India, and other nations. What is already known about the ins and outs of working with China, India, and the nations of Southeast Asia? Should a lawyer study Asian law and languages? Are we aware of the steps required of a Russian business looking to work with China and operate in the country? What about Chinese businesses in Russia? Will China become a new international arbitration centre for Russian businesses? Could the field of law serve to help develop international relations with the East?

According to the Olympic Charter, sports federations must abide by principles of political neutrality and non-discrimination in order to ensure athletes enjoy equal access to competitions. For decades, it seemed an indisputable fact that all participants of the Olympic Movement (and above all, the International Olympic Committee itself) respected such fundamental principles lying at the heart of all competitions. However, on 28 February 2022, the International Olympic Committee published its recommendations to no longer allow Russian athletes, sports clubs, or national sports federation teams to compete. These were followed by similar actions taken by international and continental sports federations. As a result, it has become necessary to take another look at how the aforementioned fundamental principles are observed. Values such as political neutrality and non-discrimination have de facto been replaced by elastic doctrines related to the integrity of competitions and the safety of competitors, as if they were in dire need of protection. The proportionality of such a weighing of interests (which has determined that the removal of Russian athletes, clubs, and national teams was the only possible option), certainly appears objectively problematic. Indeed, it does not appear as though there is any regulatory (i.e., predictable) basis within sporting federations to enact such an exclusion. Efforts to contest these decisions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have so far resulted in what can justifiably be called a selective form of enforcement. Initial outcomes are not based on strict compliance with the IOC’s regulatory framework (or that of international and continental sports federations). What’s more, they ignore the principles of political neutrality and non-discrimination, and fail to demonstrate a convincing legal argument. We are witness to discrimination, suspension based on citizenship, and other various kinds of restrictions based on the unipolar political views of the organizers of international and continental sports competitions. These not only violate the personal rights of athletes, but also their human right to work. Clearly, this has all genuinely undermined the legitimacy of the fundamental principles of the Olympic Movement and global sport. What do these fundamental principles mean, as viewed through the prism of the Olympic Charter and the regulations of international and continental sports federations? The aforementioned elastic doctrines of competition integrity and athlete safety were used by the International Olympic Committee and international and continental sports federations to justify the banning of Russian athletes and sporting bodies. What should be the content of these doctrines? When making its resolutions on the removal by international and continental sports federations of Russian athletes and sporting bodies, what reasoning was adopted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport? What tools need to be employed to assess the IOC’s recommendations on the partial admission of Russian athletes to international and continental sports competitions in relation to the principles set out in the Olympic Charter? What is the likelihood that international and continental sports federations will implement the admission criteria?

Sergey Alekseev was an eminent Soviet and Russian legal scholar. He was a doctor of legal sciences, professor, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and an Honoured Scientist of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. Alekseev’s work was closely connected with three cities: Yekaterinburg, Moscow and St. Petersburg. In each of them, he made a significant mark in the field of legal theory. Many of his students and followers (who themselves now teach and do research) have founded schools on the basis of his work. These places have taken the ideas of Alekseev, and further interpreted and developed them. For a number of years now, the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum has hosted sessions dedicated to the theories of Sergey Alekseev as part of the Alekseev Legacy project. This year’s event promises to be truly unique. Representatives of three academic centres closely linked to Alekseev’s life and work will present their views on the theory of law, with a focus on three key concepts: the source of law, the legal regulation mechanism, and legal responsibility. As well as answering questions from the audience, they will hold a discussion that will seek to identify points of agreement and differing views in their creative interpretations of the great man’s ideas.