ABA cuts costs in face of low registration levels for London

The American Bar Association (ABA) has begun a process of cost-cutting to try to make its London conference this July break even.Unexpectedly low registration for the event has led the ABA to reassess the programme.

However, a spokesman stated this week that there would be 'no downgrading of any of the substantive sessions'.Around 3,000 US lawyers have signed up for the conference so far, when as many as 10,000 were predicted.

The break-even figure is nearer the higher figure, but Herbert Belgrad, a member of the ABA's executive committee, told the Gazette this week that as a result of 'certain cost factors that have been reduced...

it is possible that we'll break even as predicted'.When the event was first mooted in 1996, there were major doubts in the ABA hierarchy.

However, in part, the conference was approved on the basis that it would be self-financing.

The possibility that it would not be meant the ABA's board of governors recently discussed, but then discounted, the possibility of pulling the plug on it altogether.One ceremonial event scheduled for Westminster Hall has been relocated, apparently reducing its cost from $200,000 (133,000) to $24,000.

The ABA is also considering dipping into a $1 million safety net fund.The spokesman said: 'This is not a financial crisis, but any prudent and responsible organisation faced with a potential shortfall of this nature has to make contingency plans.'The London conference will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, and Prime Minister Tony Blair has been touted as a possible star guest.

A programme of 24 plenary events is planned plus various high-profile social occasions, including the ABA president's reception at the Tower of London.

Key speakers include five US Supreme Court justices, US Secretary of State Madeline Albright, foreign secretary Robin Cook, George Mitchell and Cherie Booth QC.

Plans to showcase Ms Booth with First Lady Hillary Clinton were dropped in March when Ms Clinton pulled out.X For more information, telephone 020 8957 5056 or see www.abanet.org/annual/2000

Neil Rose