Next week, we’ll be heading to Copenhagen for the bi-annual Interact Law International Conference! This time, we’re thrilled to be hosted by our long-standing member, Advodan.
Get ready to meet our fantastic hosts, Jens Gottlieb and Mette Asmussen, from Advodan’s Copenhagen office!

What are you excited about as Interact Law conference hosts in May?

We’re truly excited to host this spring’s Interact Law conference in Copenhagen – especially at a time when our profession is being fundamentally challenged by global developments. As lawyers, we’re used to navigating complexity, but the current landscape – marked by political instability, economic uncertainty, and shifting social norms – demands a new level of adaptability and insight. Hosting the conference gives us a unique opportunity to facilitate conversations with our colleagues across jurisdictions that challenge conventional thinking and perhaps also can help to inspire the shape of future of legal services to the benefit of all our clients.

How have you been involved in the preparations surrounding the conference?

We’ve been hands-on from the very beginning – not just in shaping the overall theme and content of parts of the conference, but also in providing the full experience for the participants. On the professional side, we’ve worked to design a programme that reflects the profound shifts currently affecting the legal profession – from global political unrest to changing client expectations from various types of clients – and how we as lawyers must evolve in response.

At the same time, we’ve put a lot of thought into the social side of the conference. Copenhagen has so much to offer, and we want our guests to experience it at its best. That’s why we’ve planned some truly memorable restaurant visits, featuring both classic Danish gastronomy and innovative New Nordic cuisine. We’ve also arranged informal gatherings and cultural experiences that will give everyone a chance to connect, reflect, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of our city.

Which part of the programme are you most looking forward to experiencing?

We’re especially looking forward to the sessions that explore how the rule of law is being challenged across borders – and what that means for our roles as legal advisors and as actors within democratic societies. The intersection of law, politics, and business has never been more relevant, and we believe these conversations will spark both insight and inspiration. And of course, we’re also excited about the informal moments – reconnecting with friends and allies, exchanging ideas over dinner, and sharing the Copenhagen experience.

What do you suggest our members see and do whilst in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern Nordic cool – and we highly encourage the participants to explore it beyond the conference agenda – perhaps if they come early or stay longer. Here are a few highlights:

Cultural & Historical Highlights

• Visit the historic Christiansborg Palace – home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Royal Reception Rooms. It’s the perfect place to reflect on Denmark’s constitutional monarchy and long-standing legal traditions.
• Rosenborg Castle – A fairy-tale Renaissance castle in the city center, home to Denmark’s crown jewels and royal treasures.
• The National Museum of Denmark – A fascinating look into the country’s history, including law, society, and cultural evolution.
• The Black Diamond – The modern waterfront extension of the Royal Library, showcasing bold architecture and cultural exhibitions.
• Kastellet & The Little Mermaid – Take a scenic walk around this star-shaped fortress and visit Copenhagen’s most iconic statue.
• Modern Copenhagen & Architecture
• Copenhill – A waste-to-energy plant with a rooftop ski slope and panoramic views, symbolizing Copenhagen’s green innovation.
• BLOX – Home to the Danish Architecture Center and a great place to experience cutting-edge design and urban planning.
• Nordhavn – A transformed industrial harbor area with modern architecture, harbor baths, and waterfront restaurants.
• Explore the Danish Design Museum – the museum showcase why Danish design continue to inspire globally.

 Food & Drink Experiences

• Enjoy world-class dining – from Michelin-starred restaurants like Geranium or Alchemistto local favorites like Kødbyens Fiskebar in the Meatpacking District. And don’t miss Reffen – a buzzing street food market by the harbor.
• Torvehallerne – A buzzing gourmet food market with everything from organic coffee and ‘smørrebrød’ (open-faced sandwiches) to fresh seafood and Nordic specialties.
• Wine Bars like Ved Stranden 10 or Rosforth & Rosforth – Natural wines, candlelit ambiance, and unbeatable waterfront locations.
• Apéro – Charming bar in charming surroundings.
• Nebbiolo Winebar – Great Italien wine bar next to Nyhavn.

 Local Vibes & Hidden Gems

• Papirøen (Paper Island) & the Opera Park – A revitalized harbor island offering open green spaces, modern design, and scenic views of the skyline.
• Christianshavn & Church of Our Saviour – Walk along charming canals and climb the spiral tower for one of the city’s best views.
• Nørrebro – A culturally diverse and vibrant district with street art, indie shops, and the famous Assistens Cemetery, final resting place of i.a. Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard and Niels Bohr.

Relaxation & Lifestyle

• La Banchina – A true Copenhagen experience: a tiny wine bar with a sauna and direct access to the harbor for a refreshing dip.
• Islands Brygge Harbor Bath – Join the locals for a swim or a sunbathe by the waterfront.
• GoBoat or GreenKayak – Rent an electric picnic boat or join a sustainable kayak trip while collecting trash from the canals.

Other highlights

• Wander around the Latin Quarter or Vesterbro – full of indie shops, local cafés, and creative energy, they offer a more intimate feel of the city.
• Cycle like a local – rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels. Copenhagen is designed for cyclists, and it’s the best way to experience the city’s rhythm.
• Visit Amalienborg and see the changing of the guard – a daily tradition that’s both royal and down-to-earth, much like the city itself.
• Unwind in the King’s Garden or at Ofelia Plads – perfect for a coffee break or a sunset drink by the water.