16th ICCML Forum
Companies in the Polycrisis (5 June 2026)

On 5 June 2026, the ICCML at the Bucerius Law School in Hamburg hosted the 16th Hamburg Forum under the title “Companies in the Polycrisis.” Bringing together representatives from academia and legal practice, the conference explored how companies and their management bodies can respond to the growing convergence of geopolitical, regulatory, and economic crises. Throughout the day, the sessions were moderated by Prof. Dr. Christoph H. Seibt (Freshfields), Prof. Dr. Lisa Guntermann (Bucerius Law School), and Prof. Dr. Christoph Kumpan (Bucerius Law School).

The conference was opened by Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jörn Axel Kämmerer (Bucerius Law School), who welcomed the participants and introduced the forum’s central theme.

The first thematic session featured two presentations that provided a foundation for the subsequent discussions. Jan Friedrich Kallmorgen (EY) offered insights into the future of globalization and outlined strategies for effectively managing geopolitical risks and opportunities. Dr. Richard Backhaus (Dräger) then examined the evolving role of in-house legal departments in an increasingly uncertain business environment.

The second session focused on corporate management and the impact of geopolitical developments on M&A transactions. Dr. Nina Benz (Heidelberg University) opened with her presentation, “No Safe Harbor? Board Action in Cases of Conflicting International Duties,” addressing how management boards should navigate situations in which obligations arising under different legal systems come into conflict. Building on these considerations, Dr. Nils Krause (DLA Piper) discussed M&A transactions in the age of geoeconomics, with particular emphasis on contract design and risk management.

The final presentation was delivered by Dr. Hartmut Henninger (Cattwyk), who explored the regulatory challenges facing international supply chains.

The conference was marked by lively and engaging discussions. In particular, the combination of academic and practical perspectives, as well as the exchange between scholars, corporate counsel, and legal practitioners, proved especially valuable.

The forum concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Christoph Kumpan, who summarized the key insights of the day and thanked the participants for their contributions.