To close Season 5 of Spotlight AIJA, we bring you a special bonus episode dedicated to the academic programme of the 63rd International Young Lawyers’ Congress, taking place in Washington, D.C., from 25 to 30 August 2025.

Under the theme “Empower NextGen – Meeting Young Lawyers Where They Are,” this Congress is all about preparing the next generation of legal professionals for a dynamic, future-ready career.

In this episode, host Jonathan Bench is joined by the four academic coordinators - Timothée Giard, Friederike Henke, Christian Ritschka, and Radina Tomanova - to explore:

✔️ The inspiration behind this year’s Congress theme
✔️ The structure of the academic programme, including the Legal Tracks and Business Skills Track
✔️ How AIJA aims to empower young lawyers through mentorship, practical skills, and intergenerational learning
✔️ Why this year’s Congress is a must-attend event for young legal professionals across the globe

Tune in to discover what awaits you in Washington and why this is not just a Congress - it is your next step forward.

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In this episode of Spotlight AIJA, host Jonathan Bench speaks with Agata Perepechko, a business psychologist specialising in resilience and mental health in high-pressure professions. They discuss the impact of stress in the legal profession, the concept of secondary trauma, and the importance of building resilience at both an individual and team level. Agata shares insights on workplace culture, leadership, and strategies to prevent burnout, offering valuable advice for legal professionals navigating demanding careers.

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Host Jonathan Bench welcomes Chris Owen, a member of the Professional Wellbeing Commission of the International Bar Association and former corporate partner at an international law firm in London. In this episode, they delve into the crucial topic of mental well-being within the legal profession, exploring practical and thought-provoking insights.

The discussion covers:

• How organisations can move beyond mere box-ticking to foster a genuine culture of mental well-being, ensuring that well-being is embedded into every aspect of professional life.

• The power of mindfulness and the importance of recognising the fear of failure, enabling individuals to reconnect with themselves and those around them.

• Approaching the "failure room" – the concept of embracing imperfection and cultivating self-acceptance in high-pressure environments.

• Identifying a workplace that makes you feel safe, valued, and empowered, and understanding the signs of a truly supportive environment.

• How to do your best work by prioritising happiness and well-being, and the significance of working in a place that nurtures both professional and personal growth.

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Host Jonathan Bench welcomes back Marco Imperiale for Episode 3 of SpotlightAIJA, featuring a thought-provoking conversation on setting boundaries in the digital workplace. From the pressures young lawyers face to always be available to managing overflowing inboxes and constant notifications, they explore how legal professionals can push back against unrealistic expectations while staying productive. How do different generations perceive and use technology? How can we take time for ourselves, set limits, and know when to ask for help in a high-pressure environment? Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the tech-driven legal world.

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Host Jonathan Bench sit down with Marco Imperiale, founder and managing director of Better Ipsum, a benefit corporation focused on legal design, legal innovation, and legal wellbeing 🎙️

In this episode, we explore how young lawyers can develop a healthy relationship with technology in a 24/7 culture, discussing tools and strategies to manage stress, improve focus, and leverage tech for mental well-being—from meditation apps to screen time limits and VPNs to combat digital overload.

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Join us for the first episode of Season 5 of SpotlightAIJA as we sit down with AIJA President Kato Aerts.

In this heartfelt conversation with podcast host Jonathan Bench, Kato shares her professional journey, her aspirations for AIJA, and her vision for the year ahead. Together, they reflect on their personal experiences and open up sharing personal stories of times when they faced challenges and struggles.

At the heart of Kato’s presidency is the empowerment of AIJA’s members. She explains how various initiatives and projects are designed to support young lawyers in their personal and professional growth, including this very podcast, which provides tools and strategies for navigating the unique demands of the legal field. This season’s focus on mental health in the legal profession aligns closely with her vision, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for all members.

Learn more about the AIJA podcast: https://www.aija.org/en/spotlightaija-podcast.html

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In the closing episode of Season 4, hosted by Larry Markowitz, we are joined by the four academic coordinators for the 62nd AIJA Annual Congress taking place in Madrid this year: Charlotte Tregunna, Beatriz Cabal, Laura Manz and Zoya Gyurova.

Together, we explore the theme of the upcoming Congress, "Thinking Globally – the Role of International Lawyers in a World Searching for Answers." In our interconnected world, international lawyers play a crucial role in addressing cross-border challenges like climate change and human rights abuses. Their expertise in navigating diverse cultures and intergovernmental relations positions them to create just and equitable solutions for a more harmonious international order.

Tune in to our podcast and be part of the AIJA journey!

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In this episode, hosted by Larry Markowitz, we are joined by guests Ilaha Muhseni, AIJA member and associate at Rutgers & Posch, and Silvia van Schaik, Co-Chair of the AIJA Human Rights Committee. Together, we explore the crucial role of human rights and the rule of law in building fair societies, protecting freedoms, and preventing abuses of power. Recent changes in Afghanistan underscore the need for a strong legal system, ensuring justice and accountability - making human rights vital for stability and inclusivity in Afghanistan's future.

Tune in to our podcast and be part of the AIJA journey!

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In this episode, hosted by Larry Markowitz, we will discover the multifaceted nature of sustainability, as Larry introduces expert guests Vittoria Lapomarda (Treedom) and Aaron Baker (PlanA), integral to AIJA's initiatives, alongside a special appearance by Dino Serafini, Co-chair of AIJA’s Sustainability Board.

Listen as they delve into the diverse dimensions of sustainability, covering environmental, social, and economic aspects. The engaging conversation further explores the evolving role of lawyers in the dynamic landscape of sustainability, offering valuable insights into this context.

Tune in to our podcast and be part of the AIJA journey!

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In this episode, hosted by Larry Markowitz, we're diving into the heart of the upcoming May Half-Year Conference in Mexico City, themed "Law in the Times of the Digital Economy." Daniela Jara Cruz and Carlos del Razo, both experts in corporate and environmental law, and academic coordinators, offer unique insights into the digital legal landscape.

Listen to explore how the digital economy has reshaped traditional laws, touching on e-commerce, data privacy, cybercrime, and more. Moreover, Daniela and Carlos shed light on the conference's title, drawing inspiration from Gabriel García Márquez's literary work, and highlighting Mexico City's charm. They discuss legal challenges arising from the digital explosion, such as data security, the dark web, and the delicate balance of regulating AI in the boardroom.

Tune in to our podcast and be part of the AIJA journey! 

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