In celebration of its 60th anniversary, the Harvard Law School Association of Europe (HLSAE) gathered in Vilnius, Lithuania, from May 29 to June 1, 2025. The reunion brought together over 200 alumni—past, present, and future—spanning the continent and beyond, celebrating six decades of legal scholarship, professional camaraderie, and cross-border collaboration. Founded in Paris in 1965, HLSAE has grown into one of Harvard Law School’s most significant regional alumni associations, uniting more than 2,000 members across Europe.
A highlight of the event was the General Meeting, in which Salomé Cisnal de Ugarte (LL.M. ’94) was elected President, succeeding Alvyda Usinskaite (LL.M. ’13), signaling the start of a new leadership chapter. Bogdan Gecić—LL.M. alumnus, Founding Partner at Gecić Law, two-term Board member, and lead organizer of the 2017 Belgrade HLSAE reunion—was elected Vice President, reinforcing his role in HLSAE’s European network.
During the Vilnius gathering, HLSAE unveiled its commemorative volume, Harvard Law School Association of Europe – A History. Authored by two foundational members – Willem F.C. Stevens (LL.M. ’63) and Jacques Salès (LL.M. ’67) – the book traces the association’s evolution from its Parisian origins to its current prominence. Willem Stevens, co-founder and first secretary of HLSAE, who later served as a long-standing Board governor, laid the groundwork for its sustained presence. Jacques Salès, HLSAE President from 1986 to 1989 and later head of the Harvard Law School Worldwide Alumni Association, brings insights into the power of alum leadership and global outreach.
In their joint foreword, Stevens and Salès recount defining moments—including the inaugural Paris meeting in 1966 featuring Professor Roger Fisher—and describe the enduring tradition of reunions that unite Harvard-trained lawyers across the continent. Their narrative emphasizes HLSAE’s mission of promoting legal scholarship and fostering transnational alumni connections.
The 2017 Annual Reunion in Belgrade, Serbia, is a momentous event in HLSAE’s history, taking center stage in the commemorative publication. Co-organized by Gecić Law, the reunion coincided with Harvard Law School’s bicentennial, drawing over 160 esteemed guests to the Serbian capital. Belgrade’s allure was displayed as attendees enjoyed sightseeing tours that revealed the city’s rich heritage and unveiled it as “one of Europe’s best-kept secrets”. The highlight was an academic session on Food Law hosted in the grand halls of the House of the National Assembly, featuring leading voices such as Harvard professor Emily Broad Leib, named by Time Magazine as one of the five most innovative women in food; Stefano Palmieri, CFO of Granarolo Group; and Serbian Minister of Agriculture Branislav Nedimović.
The celebration reached a regal level with a gala reception at the White Palace, graciously hosted by the Serbian Royal family. This memorable evening also marked the inaugural presentation of the HLSAE Award: the honor was bestowed by HLSAE President Salvo Arena upon William Stevens, the association’s co-founder and precisely the author of the 60th commemorative publication, Harvard Law School Association of Europe—A History.
Bogdan Gecić reflected on the significance of the 2017 reunion:
“Hosting the 2017 HLSAE reunion in Belgrade was a significant moment. It was about opening a window into our region for a global community of legal minds, which was incredibly rewarding. The fact that it coincided with the bicentennial of our illustrious alma mater made it all the more special. It felt like we were celebrating Harvard Law School’s legacy and contributing a new chapter to it—one rooted in Southeastern Europe. It was also a privilege to give back to the community that has given me so much by honoring its pioneers, and to help inspire future generations of legal professionals from our region. I am incredibly grateful to our pioneers, Willem F.C. Stevens and Jacques Salès, for giving such a distinguished place to the Belgrade Reunion in the 60th anniversary publication and preserving the memory of this important event in HLSAE history.”
As HLSAE embarks on its next chapter under new leadership, the association remains committed to advancing the legal profession and promoting fellowship among Harvard Law School alums in Europe. The 60th-anniversary celebrations in Vilnius honored the past and set the stage for continued engagement and collaboration in the years to come.
Bogdan added,
“Reflecting on the journey from organizing the 2017 reunion in my hometown to now stepping into this new leadership role, I’m reminded of the enduring bonds and shared values that unite Harvard Law alumni across Europe and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the pioneers of our organization, Willem F.C. Stevens and Jacques Salès, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for what HLSAE has become. We look forward to building on that legacy—expanding our initiatives, supporting the next generation of legal professionals, strengthening the transatlantic bridge, and fostering excellence, unity, and collaboration within our diverse legal community.”
