Arbitral Insights

Spotlight on … NYIAC Executive Director Rekha Rangachari

Executive Director of the New York International Arbitration Center (NYIAC) Rekha Rangachari joins Reed Smith host Gautam Bhattacharyya for this Spotlight on… session. They discuss the path that led Rekha to NYIAC, international arbitration in New York and further afield, the goals and focus of NYIAC, and her views on improving diversity in the law.  

Spotlight on … Dubai-based arbitrator and founder of Equanimity Arbitration Sadaff Habib

Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes Dubai-based, New York-qualified attorney, independent arbitrator, and founder of Equanimity Arbitration Sadaff Habib for this instalment of our “Spotlight on…” miniseries. Sadaff shares what drew her to a career in law, the role of mindfulness and cultural empathy in international arbitration, and her views on greater ethnic and gender diversity. 

Important proposed changes to the English Arbitration Act: (1) Summary disposal of issues

In the first of a miniseries exploring the proposed reforms to the law governing arbitration in England and Wales, the Arbitration Act 1996, Dubai-based Antonia Birt and London-based Liam Hart explore the proposal to give arbitrators the power to dispose of claims on a summary basis (that is, without waiting for a full trial) with host, Bartek Rutkowski.

Greener Arbitrations | Witness and expert preparation: Can video-conferencing match in-person meetings?

Time for another Greener Arbitrations episode. This instalment welcomes Aurélie Lopez, Antoine Smiley, Sujey Herrera, and Peter Rosher for a mock debate on the merits of witness and expert preparation via video-conferencing vs. in-person meetings. Hosts Alison Eslick and Vanessa Thieffry moderate this hard-fought debate. Which side will you vote for?

World Maritime Day 2023: A spotlight on maritime arbitration

To celebrate World Maritime Day 2023, international arbitration partners Thor Maalouf, Antonia Panayides, and Nick Austin discuss arbitration in the maritime world. The conversation explores what exactly is meant by “maritime arbitration,” the potential changes triggered by updates to the Arbitration Act 1996, and what further waves of change the shipping industry may see in response to looming environmental regulation.

Spotlight on … Arbitrator and mediator Poornima Hatti

Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes Poornima Hatti, co-founder and dispute resolution practice lead at Samvad Partners, to discuss her career as a leading arbitration lawyer in India, the growth of India as an arbitration hub, and the importance of better diversity in arbitration in India.

Greener Arbitrations: Are hard copy submissions a thing of the past?

In this episode in our Greener Arbitrations miniseries, Vanessa Thieffry and Alison Eslick welcome Paris-based Erwan Robert and Dubai-based Soham Panchamiya for a friendly debate grappling with the query as to whether hard copy submissions are a thing of the past. They discuss cost, efficiency, access to technology, and what works best in hearings.

Spotlight on … Independent arbitrator Dana MacGrath

New York-based independent arbitrator Dana MacGrath FCIArb is our guest for this episode of ‘Spotlight on…’ with our host Gautam Bhattacharyya. Dana shares how she found her career in law and international arbitration, the mentors she has learnt from throughout her professional life, the role of women in international arbitration, and what it means to step away from ‘big law’.

The changing definitions of “investment” and “dual nationals”

Miami-based Gilberto Guerrero-Rocca welcomes guest speaker, attorney, and legal scholar Luis A. Bergolla to explore the changing definitions of “investment” and “dual nationals.” The duo discuss the impacts of, and takeaways from, the recent case of ICSID Gramercy v. Peru. They then cover jurisdictional awards from a recent PCA case, followed by a brief exploration into whether dual nationals satisfy the ratione materiae and ratione personae prongs of the jurisdictional test.

Spotlight on … International arbitrator and Careers in Arbitration founder Amanda Lee

Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes prominent international arbitrator and Founder of Careers in Arbitration and ARBalance Amanda Lee to discuss Amanda’s career story, her mentors, and her views on what the hardest thing is about being an arbitrator. Amanda then shares her views for furthering DEI and belonging in arbitration in a response that Gautam commends as one of the very finest expositions of the importance of all aspects of DEI he has ever heard.