Arbitration Acumen

Arbitration Acumen
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Hosted by J.P. Duffy, Arbitration Acumen is the definitive podcast from Bracewell’s international arbitration group, designed for in-house counsel and arbitration practitioners seeking authoritative insights. Each episode brings in-depth conversations with top arbitrators, institutional insiders and leading industry experts from around the world.

  1. ArbitrateAD: Building a Digital-First International Arbitration Centre in Abu Dhabi

    4H AGO

    ArbitrateAD: Building a Digital-First International Arbitration Centre in Abu Dhabi

    In this episode of Arbitration Acumen, J.P. Duffy sits down with Maria Mazzawi, registrar of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), to explore how the institution has built one of the Middle East’s most modern arbitration frameworks from the ground up. Maria shares insights into arbitrateAD’s caseload growth, digital-first case management platform (docketAD), and procedural innovations, including emergency arbitration, expedited proceedings and early dismissal tools. The conversation also covers arbitrateAD’s expanding international caseload, its positioning within the UAE’s evolving dispute resolution landscape and its recent expansion into mediation and dispute avoidance services.

    35 min
  2. Mass Arbitration Series, Part 5: How Employers Respond to Mass Arbitration Claims

    APR 9

    Mass Arbitration Series, Part 5: How Employers Respond to Mass Arbitration Claims

    Mass arbitration is reshaping how employers manage risk in labor and employment disputes. In this final installment of the Mass Arbitration Series, host J.P. Duffy speaks with labor and employment partner Brian Patterson about how respondents are adapting to the growing use of mass arbitration as an alternative to class and collective actions. They discuss how arbitration agreements — which are often designed to limit aggregate exposure — can create new operational and financial pressures when large volumes of individual claims are filed simultaneously. The conversation also highlights how claim value, filing fees and procedural rules influence whether companies pursue early settlement or defend claims on the merits. The episode concludes with practical guidance for employers, including the importance of regularly updating arbitration clauses, aligning with evolving provider rules and avoiding inconsistent agreement frameworks across the workforce.

    26 min
  3. Mass Arbitration Series, Part 4: Claimant Strategies, Risks and Economics

    MAR 19

    Mass Arbitration Series, Part 4: Claimant Strategies, Risks and Economics

    Mass arbitration is reshaping how large-scale disputes are brought and resolved, particularly as class action waivers push claims into individual arbitration. In this episode of The Arbitration Acumen Podcast, J.P. Duffy speaks with Michael Hartmere, CEO of The HQ Firm, about the claimant’s approach to mass arbitration, including how firms vet and file claims at scale, manage operational and financial risk, and leverage technology and litigation funding. They discuss: Key differences between mass arbitration and class actions“Fee bombing” strategiesThe growing role of technology in claim managementThe economics of litigation funding and portfolio risk The episode also explores how claimant strategies are evolving in response to rule changes, institutional reforms and judicial scrutiny, positioning mass arbitration as a central and evolving feature of modern dispute resolution.

    50 min
  4. Mass Arbitration Series, Part 3: The AAA's Procedures

    FEB 19

    Mass Arbitration Series, Part 3: The AAA's Procedures

    The Arbitration Acumen Podcast continues its series on mass arbitration with a discussion with Adam Shoneck, vice president for business development and outreach at the American Arbitration Association (AAA). Adam talks with host J.P. Duffy about the rise of mass arbitration following the US Supreme Court’s decision in AT&T Mobility LLC v. Concepcion, the surge of “mega” filings beginning in 2019 and how the AAA responded with structured procedures.

    41 min
  5. Mass Arbitration Series, Part 2: JAMS’ Process

    JAN 29

    Mass Arbitration Series, Part 2: JAMS’ Process

    On this episode of The Arbitration Acumen Podcast, J.P. Duffy is joined by Elizabeth Carter, senior vice president at JAMS and a principal drafter of the JAMS Mass Arbitration Procedures, for a deep dive into mass arbitration—what it is, why it has surged in recent years and how institutions and parties are responding. Drawing on real-world experience, J.P. and Elizabeth explore the legal, procedural and economic dynamics of mass arbitration and offer practical guidance for in-house counsel navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

    37 min
  6. Mass Arbitration Series, Part 1: The CPR’s Approach

    JAN 8

    Mass Arbitration Series, Part 1: The CPR’s Approach

    The Arbitration Acumen Podcast kicks off 2026 with a multi-part miniseries on mass arbitration. This episode offers a deep dive into CPR’s Employment-Related Mass Claims Protocol. Host J.P. Duffy is joined by Mia Levi, vice president and corporate secretary of CPR Dispute Resolution Services. Together they explore how mass arbitration works, why CPR developed its protocol and how the framework balances efficiency, due process and cost management for both claimants and respondents. Drawing on Mia’s direct role in drafting and administering the CPR protocol, the episode walks listeners through the lifecycle of a mass arbitration — from threshold requirements and test case selection to global mediation and fee structures — while also examining how the protocol has driven early settlements in practice.

    54 min
  7. The Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration

    12/18/2025

    The Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration

    In this episode of The Arbitration Acumen Podcast, J.P. Duffy interviews Diana Bowman, secretary general of the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA), about its role as Australia’s leading arbitral institution and its growing impact in the Asia-Pacific region. They discuss ACICA’s independent funding model, governance, expanding caseload in key sectors and initiatives like its 2021 Arbitration Rules and Australian Arbitration Week. They also reflect on leadership, community support and ACICA’s strategic vision as it celebrates 40 years and plans for future growth.

    36 min
  8. Update on the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration With Chris Alberti

    11/26/2025

    Update on the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration With Chris Alberti

    On this episode of The Arbitration Acumen Podcast, J.P. Duffy and Chris Alberti discuss the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration’s role in transforming dispute resolution in the region. They explain how the SCCA—aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—is driving innovation through its 2023 Arbitration Rules, expedited proceedings and advanced technology integration.

    40 min
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About

Hosted by J.P. Duffy, Arbitration Acumen is the definitive podcast from Bracewell’s international arbitration group, designed for in-house counsel and arbitration practitioners seeking authoritative insights. Each episode brings in-depth conversations with top arbitrators, institutional insiders and leading industry experts from around the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Arbitration Acumen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bracewell
  • Show Website
    Arbitration Acumen