On 6 September the Law Commission published its final report and recommendations on reforms to the Arbitration Act 1996. The full report is available here.
Read highlights of the key changes on the International Arbitration Blog.
The Equal Representation in Adjudication Pledge & Women in Adjudication
By Vijay Bange and Sam Laycock
In a previous blog[1] we discussed the salient points arising from the report arising from a collaboration between The Adjudication Society and Kings College London[2]. This report addresses the issue of diversity in adjudication.
The Construction industry has frequently been cited as a sector with a lack of diversity. Poor gender diversity in particular and a lack of initiatives within the sector have been recognised by those within arbitration, with a number of organisations such as Arbitral Women and the International Council for Commercial Arbitration Task Force (to name a few), driving for better representation in the arbitration sphere. Continue reading “The Equal Representation in Adjudication Pledge & Women in Adjudication”
Queen Mary University of London Survey – Future of International Energy Arbitration
Queen Mary University of London has undertaken a major International Arbitration Survey, focusing on the energy sector entitled “Future of International Energy Arbitration, Survey Report 2022”. This was led by Professor Loukas Mistelis FCArb[1] and his team. The Survey was based on feedback from over 900 respondents from a diverse range of jurisdictions, end users, leading practitioners, arbitrators and experts, as well as arbitral and academic institutions.
To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Vijay Bange, please visit the Duane Morris International Arbitration Blog.
UK Construction and Engineering Adjudication 2022 – A Year in Review
By Vijay Bange and Sam Laycock
Coulson LJ could not have encapsulated Adjudication more succinctly:
“It is not an alternative to anything; it is the only game in town.”[1]
In the UK construction and engineering industry adjudication remains the main forum and means for resolution of disputes, many of which are complex and significant in value. In this blog the author looks at, and summarisers, the salient points arising from an illuminating report arising from a collaboration between The Adjudication Society and the team at Kings College[2], led by Professor Renato Nazzini and Aleksander Kalisz. The collation of data from the questionnaire(s) looks at emerging trends and identification of areas of further refinement in the process. Continue reading “UK Construction and Engineering Adjudication 2022 – A Year in Review”
The Cyber Universe: Recent Developments
By Vijay Bange and Chris Recker
The developments in the cyber world are moving at a rapid pace, and at times the challenge in keeping up from a regulatory perspective is relentless. Below are the some of the recent topical/discussive issues in this space, particularly focussing on digital assets: Continue reading “The Cyber Universe: Recent Developments”
The Cyber Threat to Construction, Engineering and Energy
Construction, energy and engineering companies have lagged others in taking steps to protect themselves from the growing number of cyber-attacks, and failing to take preventive measures can lead to expensive litigation.
To read the full text of this article by Duane Morris attorneys Vijay K. Bange and Chris Recker, please visit the firm website.
Using Technology in Arbitration: Necessity or Choice?
By Vijay Bange and Tanya Chadha
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.
In January 2021, Vijay Bange wrote an article examining the challenges of using technology in formal dispute resolution proceedings. Whilst technology has of course been used in international arbitration and high court litigation (particularly in the Technology & Construction Court) for quite some time, that use has been somewhat limited with parties, their legal counsel, and the tribunal often preferring in-person hearings and hard copy papers. 2021 however saw a dramatic rise in the use of technology in dispute resolution proceedings. This was almost certainly borne out of necessity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than necessarily by choice or organic progression. If disputes were to continue to be resolved, parties had no option but to get to grips with remote hearings, electronic bundles and virtual breakout rooms. Whilst some inevitably faced technological and logistical stumbling blocks, the move to virtual hearings and electronic working proved largely successful with many disputes being resolved expeditiously along the way. In fact, the move towards technology was so successful that many people are now opting to use technology out of choice and not simply out of necessity. Continue reading “Using Technology in Arbitration: Necessity or Choice?”
“So long, farewell, auf Weidersehen…” Is This the End of Intra-EU BIT 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. Continue reading ““So long, farewell, auf Weidersehen…” Is This the End of Intra-EU BIT Arbitrations?”
De-carbonisation of the UK Construction Sector: Are We Ready for the Net-zero Age?
It’s probably too early to deliberate whether COP26 was a success, and if progress has been made since Paris. Glasgow will be remembered for the passionate speech from the Maldives representative, which reminded us (if ever we needed reminding) of the Armageddon-esque effects of climate change to the planet as a whole, and to small island nations in particular. The target remains to aim for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and to keep global warming close to 1.5 degrees. Continue reading “De-carbonisation of the UK Construction Sector: Are We Ready for the Net-zero Age?”
Earth, Wind and Fire- Energy and the Green Agenda. The New Industrial Revolution?
By Vijay Bange and Tanya Chadha
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.
On 31 October 2021, representatives from over 200 countries are set to descend on the Scottish city of Glasgow for the United Nations climate change conference; the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26). During this global climate summit, world leaders are expected to talk all things climate change. Commitments have already been made to aggressively tackle global warming and the reduction of carbon emissions. Energy is therefore likely to be high on the agenda. Continue reading “Earth, Wind and Fire- Energy and the Green Agenda. The New Industrial Revolution?”