The HLSAE Annual Reunion 2025 in Vilnius: A Memorable Gathering in the Heart of the Baltics
From Thursday, 29 May to Sunday, 1 June 2025, members of the Harvard Law School Association of Europe (HLSAE) gathered in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a remarkable annual reunion that combined academic dialogue, cultural exploration, and vibrant social exchange. This year’s reunion was particularly special, as it marked the 60th anniversary of the Association’s founding—a milestone proudly celebrated throughout the weekend.
The Reunion began on Thursday evening with a Welcome Cocktail at the acclaimed 14Horses restaurant in the heart of Vilnius Old Town. Despite a dramatic downpour, spirits remained high as attendees navigated the cobbled streets under the rain. The storm outside only made the atmosphere inside warmer and more festive, as old friends reunited and new connections were made in the cozy, elegant setting.
Friday’s program commenced with a visit to the Vilnius City Municipality, where guests were welcomed by Mayor Valdas Benkunskas. A representative of the Municipality then delivered an insightful presentation on contemporary Vilnius, highlighting the city’s dynamic development and global outlook. The visit offered a meaningful introduction to the vibrant host city.
This was followed by a guided walking tour of Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Historic Centre, where guests were immersed in the city’s layered past and architectural richness. Lunch at the iconic Neringa restaurant allowed for a relaxed continuation of conversations and cultural exchange.
In the evening, guests gathered at the striking MO Museum for a walking dinner and private tour. Dr. Irmantas Norkus, Managing Partner of COBALT Lithuania, opened the evening with a welcome address, followed by the presentation of the HLSAE History Book by Willem Stevens LL.M.’63 and Jacques Salés LL.M.’67. The museum’s bold architecture and curated exhibits provided an inspiring backdrop for celebrating HLSAE’s legacy and future.
Saturday’s programming began with a tour of the historic Vilnius University Architectural Ensemble and lunch at the university’s storied cafeteria. The afternoon featured the Academic Session and HLSAE General Meeting, where keynote speaker prof. dr. Egidijus Kūris—former President of the Constitutional Court of Lithuania and former ECHR judge—was joined by Linas Kojala, CEO of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, for thoughtful discussions on law and global affairs. During the General Meeting, a new HLSAE Board was elected, with Salomé Cisnal de Ugarte LL.M.’94 taking office as the new President of the Association, ushering in a new chapter of leadership and vision.
The evening Gala Dinner at Vilnius Historic Townhall was the emotional and celebratory high point of the reunion—and came with a uniquely local twist. As Vilnius marked its beloved Pink Soup Festival, a lively sea of pink-dressed revelers filled the square outside our venue for the closing concert. While navigating through crowds in formalwear may not have been on the original program, guests took it in stride, weaving through the celebration with good humor and determination. Inside the Townhall, the atmosphere turned reflective and festive, as guests enjoyed heartfelt remarks from outgoing president Alvyda Usinskaite LL.M.’13 and a touching commemorative video by Juliette Stevens, capturing memories from past reunions. The evening also featured speeches by HLSAE Award recipient Anne-Marijke Morgan de Rivery LL.M.’80 and HLSAE Scholarship recipient Daiva Sindaraviciute LL.M.’20, bridging generations through stories of leadership, legacy, and hope.
The Reunion concluded on Sunday with a Farewell Brunch at the exclusive Vilnius Club. Over coffee and conversation, guests reflected on the weekend’s events and shared their hopes for future gatherings.
The 2025 HLSAE Reunion in Vilnius was not only a celebration of community, culture, and conversation—it was a tribute to six decades of enduring connection and shared purpose. The weekend left attendees with cherished memories and a renewed commitment to the Association’s mission. With new leadership now in place and the spirit of Vilnius fresh in our minds, the future of HLSAE looks brighter than ever.
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Event Information
Harvard Law School Association of Europe (HLSAE) Annual Reunion in Vilnius, 29 May - 1 June 2025
Event contact: info@europe.hlsa.org
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