Arbitral Insights Reed Smith

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.