Duane Morris – International Arbitration

Over the last decade, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the “KSA”) has made significant strides to create a robust arbitration regime. This is due in part to new arbitration and enforcement laws, an increase in support of the arbitration process from the KSA’s judiciary and, significantly, to the work of a dynamic and innovative arbitration institution – the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (the “SCCA”).

The SCCA was established pursuant to Ministerial Resolution No. 257 of 14/6/1435H and became operational in late 2016 when it opened its headquarters in Riyadh. Its mission is to provide “professional, transparent and efficient ADR services”. The SCCA also has offices in Jeddah as well as Dubai.

As part of its Vision 2030 Initiative, unveiled in 2016, the KSA articulated its desire to encourage global investment within the Kingdom and diversify is sources of revenue. The SCCA was established as part of KSA’s plan and one of the SCCA’s goals is to “create a safe environment that attracts both foreign and domestic investment to the [KSA]…. by eliminating obstacles and difficulties related to ADR between investing parties.” The SCCA administers arbitration and mediation proceedings in both Arabic and English and is dedicated to providing professional, transparent and efficient ADR services, inspired by Sharia law. An arbitration may take the form of a standard arbitration, an expedited arbitration, an emergency arbitration or an online arbitration. Continue reading “Arbitration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”

March 24, 2023 by Duane Morris

Get Your Dispute Resolution Clause Right! The Most Important Clause In Any Commercial Contract In Vietnam

Most contracts in North America and Europe specify in detail all of the parties’ obligations and will be closely watched for the effectiveness of its clauses. The contract’s legal enforceability, however, is widely regarded as a given.

On the other hand, contracts between foreign investors and Vietnamese entities or with a reference to Vietnam that establishes Vietnamese jurisdiction should always specify the question “what institution will decide any disputes and in which language and what national law is to be applied?”

In this circumstance, without a dispute resolution clause, Vietnamese courts will have jurisdiction over a possible dispute. However, interested parties must consider the particularities of Vietnamese courts in comparison to Western rule-of-law courts.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris Vietnam partner Dr. Oliver Massmann, please visit the Duane Morris Vietnam Blog.

March 7, 2023 by Duane Morris

A Review of Two Recent Cases: Arbitration Against Consumers in Digital Asset Disputes

There are many reasons (both commercial and legal) as to why a party or parties might elect to refer a dispute as between them to arbitration. In cross-border cases, this could be to ensure that a dispute is determined within a certain jurisdiction, language or otherwise pursuant to specific laws. In addition, and in the absence of a flagrant disregard of the relevant terms or the referral to Court for assistance, the arbitration will be confidential (which could be important).

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris attorney Chris Recker, please visit the Duane Morris London Blog.

February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 by Duane Morris

Expedited Arbitrations: Can We Learn Anything from Adjudications?

By Luis Duhart

Introduction

Construction projects are a ripe ground for disputes. When these disputes arise, they often threaten to bring the project itself to a halt if not resolved expeditiously. However, many large-scale construction projects (particularly international ones) provide for their disputes to be referred to arbitration. Continue reading “Expedited Arbitrations: Can We Learn Anything from Adjudications?”

February 16, 2023February 17, 2023 by Duane Morris

Growing Acceptance and Benefits of International Arbitration in the Banking and Finance Industries

By Nicole Mirjanich Moore

The banking and finance industries have historically chosen litigation as their preferred dispute resolution, generally in the New York or London courts. Due to increased globalization and participation from emerging markets (e.g., Africa and Asia), international arbitration of banking and finance disputes is rising in popularity. Continue reading “Growing Acceptance and Benefits of International Arbitration in the Banking and Finance Industries”

January 13, 2022January 27, 2023 by Duane Morris

Embracing Technology in Arbitrations

The global pandemic continues to challenge us, with various measures ranging from further lockdowns to restrictions on in-person meetings. The judicial machinery, including that in the arbitration world, has continued to function throughout the pandemic notwithstanding the difficulties of embracing innovative processes and new technology.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Vijay K. Bange, please visit the Duane Morris London Blog.

December 20, 2021January 27, 2023 by Duane Morris

Achmea Case Re-Opens Unanswered Questions for Intra-EU Arbitrations

The impact and uncertainty caused by the Achmea case on investor state dispute settlement provisions contained in intra-EU Bilateral Investment Treaties continues. These issues are potentially far reaching and may extend further than originally envisaged, namely that this case was arguably specific to the BIT between Netherlands and Slovakia.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Vijay K. Bange, please visit the Duane Morris London Blog.

September 15, 2021January 27, 2023 by Duane Morris

The Global Push to Green Energy

Globally, notable incidents of freak weather events giving rise to destruction and death have dominated the news. The increasing frequency of these erratic climate events has undoubtedly raised awareness of global warming and, on a political level, the need for states to move quicker towards green energy and the reduction of carbon emissions. Global warming is an inescapable issue that affects us all and which has forced governments to elevate this to the top of the agenda, filtering down to economic policies that will touch upon most industry sectors.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Vijay K. Bange, please visit the Duane Morris London Blog.

August 10, 2021January 27, 2023 by Duane Morris

Construction, Engineering and Energy Trends Across the Globe

Problems will inevitably arise with complex large infrastructure projects. Understanding the underlying reasons and what the root causes are will perhaps aid in the process of reducing conflict.

Recently a paper was published in Construction Law (August 2021) (co-authored by my colleague Tanya Chadha, and with contributions from US partners Brad Thompson and Jeffrey Hamera, and Paul Mansell of HKA) (“The root cause of evil!” Construction Law, August 2021). An analysis was undertaken of HKA’s integrated research program that collects data on global claims/ disputes across 88 countries. An examination was undertaken of trends emerging across the UK, Middle East, US, Caribbean and Latin America.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Vijay K. Bange, please visit the Duane Morris London Blog.

July 27, 2020January 27, 2023 by Duane Morris

Tribunals and Courts Say “Carry On” with Proceedings

Adjudicators and Arbitrators are occasionally faced with a situation where one of the parties refuses to engage in the process. In such circumstances tribunals are left in a difficult position to ensure fairness and have regard to due process, whilst also giving careful consideration as to whether it is just and appropriate to continue the process. Ultimately, however, the reluctance of one party to engage should not deprive the other of their legal and contractual rights.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Vijay K. Bange, please visit the Duane Morris London Blog.