Attendees included esteemed professors and law students, alongside influential prosecutors, investigators, judges, and representatives from leading international and Russian law firms and corporations.

The conference commenced with a roundtable discussion on "Conflicts of Interest and Specifics of Arbitration Decisions." Participants, representing the perspectives of legal counsel, arbitrators, and arbitration institutions, delved into the complex ramifications of conflicts of interest. Discussions encompassed the intricacies of public policy contradictions within the contemporary geopolitical landscape, the burgeoning field of hybrid arbitration procedures, and the potential for establishing a unified electronic document management platform to streamline cases from inception to resolution.

The "Kovalev Readings" partnered with the Sverdlovsk State Children s Philharmonic, the esteemed cultural patron of the legal platform. Conference delegates got the exclusive opportunity to attend a performance of the captivating art show, "41st Graduation."

The second day of the conference, convened at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, commenced with formal welcome addresses and a significant symbolic gesture: the signing of a cooperation agreement between the V.F. Yakovlev Ural State Law University and the Ekaterinburg Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The plenary session, entitled "Goals of Criminal Law: Past, Present, Future. I.Y. Kozachenko s Legacy," provided a comprehensive examination of the distinctive characteristics of the Ural legal school. Discussions highlighted the school s significant contributions to diverse branches of jurisprudence and the enduring traditions cultivated throughout various historical epochs.

The increasing importance of personal digital security in our technologically advanced era was a focal point of the parallel session on "Protection of Personal Information and Legal Space as a Goal of Criminal Legislation." Attendees explored multifaceted aspects of personal data protection, including criminal liability for cyberbullying, the complexities of digital reputation management, and potential avenues for legislative reform to bolster personal information security.

The parallel session dedicated to "Teaching Activities and Development of Academic Personnel" provided a platform for discussions surrounding the critical role of nurturing and cultivating the next generation of legal scholars.

With Russia poised to enact federal legislation aimed at strengthening the legal profession and professionalizing court representation, the session on "Professionalization of Court Representation: International Experience" offered a timely opportunity for collaboration. Representatives from bar associations in Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan shared their respective experiences and perspectives on the evolution of the legal market, addressing both the challenges and opportunities confronting the legal community.

The parallel session exploring the "Correlation between Law and Morality in Criminal Law" reached a consensus on the imperative for criminal law to not only safeguard public interests but also adhere to fundamental moral principles. This alignment, participants argued, is essential for fostering and maintaining public trust in the legal system and its institutions.

Notwithstanding the prevailing global political and economic climate, the Russian Federation still plays a vital role on the world stage. The session on "Foreign Economic Activity in Russia: Status, Liability, Punishment, and Prospects" provided a forum for examining critical issues, including the current state of foreign economic activity within Russia, the influence of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the legal ramifications of violations of foreign trade legislation.

Conference attendees also had the opportunity to engage in discussions on the evolving landscape of arbitration during the parallel session "Ural Division 2.0 The Idea of Arbitration." Furthermore, recognizing the demanding nature of the legal profession, a session on "Legal Networking as a Burnout Prevention Tool" explored strategies for maintaining lawyers psychological well-being.

The Advocates Bureau Yug was represented by its partner Sergey Radchenko, who contributed his expertise to the parallel session on "Intersection of Criminal and Civil Law Norms." Mr. Radchenko s presentation focused on Constitutional Court Resolution No. 49-P, dated October 31, 2024, which addresses the question of whether a statute of limitations applies to prosecutorial claims filed under Article 17(1) of the Federal Law "On Monitoring the Correspondence of Expenses of Persons Holding Public Office to Their Income." Specifically, Mr. Radchenko examined the resolution s implications for the forfeiture of property to the Russian Federation when public officials failed to substantiate legitimate income for its acquisition. He concluded that the resolution s arguments were flawed from both a dogmatic and a legal-political standpoint.

The parallel session dedicated to "On Studying the Effectiveness of Criminal Punishment" brought together academics and practicing lawyers to explore the multifaceted nature of punishment effectiveness. Discussions encompassed the efficacy of punishment as a deterrent, the influence of public opinion on the perception of punishment, the viability of alternative penalties, and the complexities of recidivism.

The "Kovalev Readings" conference is renowned for its engaging cultural program, which often features performances by prominent artists. The second day of the conference culminated in a performance by Sergey Bobunets, the lead singer of the popular Russian rock band "Smyslovye Gallyutsinatsii."

The third day of the forum featured a condensed program, highlighted by a discussion on "Criminal Liability of Legal Entities: Future in Russian Law." Participants in this session included representatives from the Ural State Law University (USLU), the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, and the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation.

To ensure attendees departed with lasting memories of the conference and its host city, a sightseeing tour of Ekaterinburg was organized, featuring visits to Verkhnyaya Pyshma and the UMMC Museum Complex.