Key Takeaways from the International Bar Association Conference in Florence: Rethinking the Lawyer–Client Relationship in Restructuring & Insolvency

As the 30th Annual IBA Global Insolvency and Restructuring Conference comes to a close, according to Sébastien Fleury several essential insights emerged on how to better serve and support clients facing financial distress:

🔹 Active listening and anticipation – identifying early warning signs before a situation becomes critical.
🔹 Transparency and clarity – making complex legal frameworks understandable so clients can make fully informed decisions.
🔹 Strategic responsiveness – providing timely, tailored advice that aligns with operational and financial realities.
🔹 Collaborative mindset – working closely with other advisors (financial, operational, international legal counsel) to build comprehensive solutions.
🔹 Trust and integrity – in high-stakes, high-stress situations, ethical commitment and professional loyalty are paramount.

🔁 These discussions confirmed a fundamental truth: technical skills alone are not enough — it is the quality of the human relationship and guidance that truly defines effective legal counsel.