*** Unofficial office translation ***
 

1.            NAME AND DOMICILE

The name of the association is Young Arbitration Practitioners Norway, abbreviated as YAPN. The association is based in the municipality of Oslo.

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2.            PURPOSE

The purpose of the association is to promote and disseminate knowledge of and interest in Norwegian and international arbitration, as well as Norway as a forum for arbitration cases, including through the organization and participation in events,

courses, and meetings.

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3.            LEGAL ENTITY

The association is a self-governing and independent legal entity with impersonal and limited liability for debts.

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4.            MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBERSHIP FEE

 Membership is open to Norwegian and foreign lawyers, as well as others interested in arbitration, who are not older than 40 years. Membership automatically ceases at the end of the calendar year in which the member turns 41. The board may grant exceptions to allow membership to continue for members whose membership ends due to age.

 

Businesses and institutions can also become members. A membership fee, determined by the board, is required for membership.

 

The fee shall be an annual fee for a calendar year. The board may establish specific rules regarding the fee amount for new members in their first calendar year.

 

The board may establish rules allowing students, university employees, or other groups of individuals to become members without paying a membership fee. The membership fee is collected upon joining the association and thereafter once per year.

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5.            BOARD

The association is managed by a board consisting of four to eight members, all of whom are elected by the general assembly.

 

The association's first board is elected at the founding meeting. Gender balance in the composition of the board shall be sought. It shall also be sought to have representatives from several law firms on the board.

 

Board members are elected for two years at a time, and re-election is possible. The board appoints a chairman from among its members, a vice-chairman, and a treasurer.

 

Notice of board meetings is given in writing with a minimum of 14 days' notice. The board is considered quorate when more than half of the board members are present.

 

Decisions of the board are made by a simple majority vote. In case of a tie, the chairman has the casting vote. The board may decide to affiliate the association with one or more Norwegian or foreign organizations, institutions, or associations in the field of arbitration.

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6.            SIGNING

The association is represented by two board members jointly.

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7.            GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The general assembly is the highest authority in all matters concerning the association. An ordinary general assembly is held once a year by the end of June.

 

The general assembly is convened by the board with a minimum of 14 days' notice. Notice is sent by email to each member. For an ordinary general assembly, notice may also be posted on the association's website. The notice of the general assembly shall include an agenda and a brief description of proposals to be discussed.

 

Any fee-paying member may submit proposals for consideration at the general assembly. Proposals to be considered at the ordinary general assembly shall be sent to the board by April 1st.

 

An extraordinary general assembly is held when deemed necessary by the board or when requested by at least 25% of the association's fee-paying members. In such cases, the board shall convene an extraordinary general assembly within 14 days, providing a minimum of 14 days' notice. The request for an extraordinary general assembly shall be submitted in writing to the board, accompanied by a justified proposal for the agenda.

 

The agenda for the ordinary general assembly shall include the following:

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1. Election of a chairman.

2. The board's report on the association's activities in the previous year.

3. Presentation of the accounts for approval.

4. Determination of the annual membership fee for the following calendar year.

5. Election of board members.

6. Election of an auditor.

7. Discussion of any proposals from the board or members.

8. Any other business.

 

The general assembly is chaired by the chairman, who decides all matters regarding the assembly's management and voting.

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Each individual fee-paying member has one vote at the general assembly.

All decisions are made by a simple majority vote, except for decisions that, according to the bylaws, require a qualified majority.

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A decision to amend the bylaws, other than dissolution of the association or a change in the association's purpose, is valid only if supported by at least two-thirds of the votes represented at the general assembly.

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The association's purpose can be amended or the association can be dissolved by a decision to that effect at a general assembly, with at least two-thirds of all fee-paying members of the association voting in favor.

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In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be used in accordance with the purpose as determined by the board.

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8. ADMINISTRATOR

The board may appoint an administrator and determine their remuneration.

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9.  AUDIT AND FINANCIAL YEAR

The association's accounts are annually reviewed by an auditor. The auditor is elected at the ordinary general assembly and holds office until the next ordinary general assembly.

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Re-election of the auditor is possible.

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The association's financial year shall coincide with the calendar year.

The first financial year runs from the establishment of the association until December 31, 2016.

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Adopted at the founding meeting on November 29, 2016.

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