North American Annual Conference Takes Place in Washington

The Washington, D.C. Chapter organised and hosted the North America Branch’s 2018 Annual Conference on 2 April in Washington D.C.

The conference focused on international arbitrations with foreign sovereigns and sovereign-owned entities.

A welcome reception the evening before featured a panel discussion on how students and young lawyers can launch a practice in this field and also on how seasoned counsel can transition to the role of arbitrator. 

Australian Ambassador Joe Hockey shared his thoughts, in a keynote address, on international trade and advocated for Sydney as a practical and efficient seat for international arbitrations, especially for Pacific Region proceedings.  

During the day-long conference, panel members, all experienced practitioners, presented their practical strategies ranging from preliminary and jurisdictional objections for claimants and states to use in investment arbitrations to tips on how to get arbitral awards against foreign sovereign entities recognized by U.S. Courts.

Foreign sovereign arbitrations were contrasted with U.S. government entity disputes by another panel, and another group examined the issues, benefits and limitations presented in international arbitrations by third party funding. 

The luncheon speaker, author Mark Cymrot, entertained the 100 participants with his stories demonstrating how important it is to understand how your audience is going to interpret what is being said – especially when it is an international tribunal. 

The conference was offered free to members of CIArb.