Arbitral Insights

Fast track proceedings and the Dutch approach

Rogier Schellaars, partner at Van Doorne and contributor to the Netherlands Arbitration Institute, the Dutch Arbitration Association and the Law Firm School, joins Reed Smith host and Paris-based international arbitration partner Andrew Tetley to discuss the emergency arbitral process, fast track proceedings and the Dutch approach to both. 

Spotlight on … Rachel Ansell QC

International Arbitration Silk of the Year (Chambers UK Bar Awards 2019) Rachel Ansell QC joins Gautam Bhattacharyya to discuss the career path that led her to the law and international arbitration. The duo cover Rachel’s mentors and their impact on her approach to mentoring, ways in which arbitration can be improved, the criticality of improved diversity, equality, and inclusion in the law – and Rachel’s love of cricket and rugby. 

International arbitration, diversity and ICC: A discussion with Alex Fessas

Secretary general of the ICC Court, Alex Fessas joins global chair of Reed Smith’s international arbitration practice, Peter Rosher to talk about diversity in the world of arbitration and at ICC. The pair discuss why ICC is interested in diversity in its broadest sense, the genesis and aims of the World Business Pride initiative, the ICC Court LGBTQ initiative, and 2022 Pride celebrations. 

International arbitration and Ukraine: How conflict has affected arbitral practice

Olena Perepelynska, head of international arbitration at INTEGRITES, president of the Ukrainian Arbitration Association and chair of the ICC Ukraine Arbitration Commission, joins Paris-based partner Andrew Tetley to discuss international arbitration in Ukraine. The duo explore current ways of working in Ukraine, what arbitration in Ukraine is like more generally, how the conflict has affected arbitral practice, and the activities of the Ukrainian Arbitration Association.

Spotlight on … Leading commercial QC, Chirag Karia

Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes leading commercial silk Chirag Karia QC to discuss the path that led him to the law – first practising for 10 years in California, then coming to the English Bar – and his career in international arbitration. Chirag reflects on his career mentors, explores how the role of arbitrator differs from that of counsel, and shares ways in which we can all improve diversity, equality and inclusion in the law.

DIAC 2.0: Arbitration rules for 2022

Sachin Kerur, Managing Partner of Reed Smith’s Middle East offices, is joined by associates Jane Miles and Soham Panchamiya to discuss the Dubai International Arbitration Centre’s (DIAC’s) new arbitration rules, effective March 21, 2022. The trio discuss the rule amendments and additions, any gaps or omissions, and anticipated benefits and challenges, before closing with their views on the future of arbitration in the United Arab Emirates.

Spotlight on … Head of Quadrant Chambers Poonam Melwani QC

Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes leading senior counsel and Head of Quadrant Chambers, Poonam Melwani QC, for a discussion exploring what brought her to a career in the law, who were (and continue to be) her mentors and career inspirations, her perspectives on arbitration, and how she champions and pushes for diversity, equality and inclusion in the legal world and beyond.

Spotlight on … Former UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Wilson

Eminent legal figure and former UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Wilson joins host Gautam Bhattacharyya to discuss why he chose law as a career (as opposed to acting), his career mentors and inspirations, reflections on his time in practice and as a judge, and some of his standout cases, including while in the Supreme Court.

Construction arbitrations: Intel from a delay, technical, and quantum expert

Masin Projects CEO Rohit Singhal joins host James Willn to share his perspectives as a delay, technical, and quantum expert in connection with construction disputes resolved via arbitration. The episode covers what duties a party who is appointed as an expert has to the tribunal, examples of where experts have performed well, gotten it wrong, plus key takeaways on how best to use experts within construction arbitrations.

Spotlight on … Maritime law legend and arbitrator Lindsay East

After completing a landmark 50 years at Richards Butler/Reed Smith, former partner, now maritime law consultant and arbitrator, Lindsay East joins host Gautam Bhattacharyya to look back over his illustrious career (including some memorable cases), discuss the development and future of international arbitration, and share his thoughts on how to improve diversity, equality and inclusion in the legal profession.