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8th Annual USC-JAMS Arbitration Symposium with SIAC and CalArb: Arbitration in the Pacific Rim

JAMS-SPONSORED EVENT

8th Annual USC-JAMS Arbitration Symposium with SIAC and CalArb: Arbitration in the Pacific Rim

Presented by the University of Southern California, JAMS, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and California Arbitration (CalArb)

Conference Credit: USC Gould School of Law, a State Bar of California-approved provider, certifies that this activity qualifies for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit in the amount of 5 hours.

Join us in Los Angeles on September 13, 2024, for the highly anticipated 8th Annual USC-JAMS Arbitration Symposium with SIAC and CalArb: Arbitration in the Pacific Rim. Enjoy a full day of networking and interactive programming including a keynote address by Samaa Haridi, Global Disputes Partner at King & Spalding, Vice-President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and Former Co-Chair, IBA Arbitration. Panel discussions will cover critical topics affecting international arbitration such as International Human Rights and Arbitration, International Sanctions and Arbitration, and the latest developments in the New York Convention—exploring whether enforcement is becoming more challenging. Additionally, we will examine Arbitration in the Pacific Rim, focusing on bridging legal landscapes between the US and Asia. 

The Symposium will also feature the Young Arbitration Program and Opening Reception on September 12, at the JAMS Los Angeles Resolution Center, presented by Young Cal-Arb, Young SIAC, and Young ITA. Please note that separate registration is required for this event, please click HERE to register.

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Thursday September 12, 2024 at 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Symposium Opening Young Arbitration Program and Reception
Presented by Young Cal-Arb, Young SIAC, and Young ITA with JAMS
JAMS International Arbitration Center, Los Angeles
555 West 5th St., 32nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Please note that separate registration is required for this event, please click HERE to register.

The Future Speaks: Young Practitioner Perspectives on the International Arbitration of Tomorrow

A panel of dynamic young international arbitration practitioners will explore their vision for the future of international arbitration in 2034 and beyond. Panelists will cover a wide range of critical topics, providing insights into how upcoming changes and innovations will shape the field, with the objective of inspiring future conversations. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape and the role young lawyers will play in driving these transformations. Potential topics will include a brief conversation around technology, procedural updates, emerging hubs of arbitration and specialty courts, progress in diversity, and the growing role of mediation and bespoke ADR mechanisms within dispute resolution. 

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Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
8th Annual USC-JAMS Arbitration Symposium with SIAC and CalArb: Arbitration in the Pacific Rim
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP | 333 South Grand Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90071

PROGRAM AGENDA

9:00-9:30 AM – Registration and Continental Breakfast - Welcome Remarks by the USC-JAMS Arbitration Symposium Co-Chairs:

9:30-10:15 AM – Keynote & Fifth Annual Dorothy Nelson Lecture Address

Keynote Speaker:
Global Disputes Partner at King & Spalding, Vice-President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and Former Co-Chair, IBA Arbitration
"Innovation in Arbitration: How the Pacific Rim is Leading the Way"
In this keynote address, Samaa Haridi will explore how the Pacific Rim is pioneering innovations that are reshaping the global arbitration landscape. With countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan leading the charge, the region has become a model for integrating advanced technologies, refining dispute resolution processes, and enhancing efficiency in international arbitration. The keynote will highlight the cutting-edge practices emerging from the region and the influence on the broader global arbitration community. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how the Pacific Rim's innovations are setting new benchmarks for the future of arbitration, fostering a more transparent, cost-effective, and culturally adaptive approach to dispute resolution.

10:15-10:30 AM – Coffee Break

10:30-11:30 AM – Session 1 – International Human Rights and Arbitration
This discussion will focus on the intersection between international human rights and arbitration, a growing area of importance in both commercial and investment disputes. Panelists will explore the complexities of incorporating human rights norms into arbitral frameworks, touching on jurisdictional issues, the balance of public interest, and the enforceability of human rights obligations. Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation of how arbitration is evolving to address human rights challenges on the global stage.
  • MODERATOR: Katia Yannaca-Small, Senior International Arbitration Advisor, Arnold & Porter; Lecturer USC Gould School of Law – Washington, D.C.
  • Cherine Foty, Senior Associate, Covington & Burling LLP -  Washington, D.C.
  • Douglass Cassel, Senior Counsel, King & Spalding, Founder, Business and Human Rights Lawyers Association – New York
  • Meriam Nazih Al-Rashid, Partner, Global Co-chair of International Arbitration, Co-Head of Latin America Arbitration Practice, Eversheds Sutherland – New York
  • Janet Whittaker, Senior Counsel, Clifford Chance – Washington, D.C.
11:45-12:45 PM – Session 2 – International Sanctions and Arbitration
In an increasingly interconnected world, international sanctions are having a significant impact on arbitration proceedings. This panel will examine the legal and practical implications of sanctions on cross-border disputes, focusing on issues such as enforceability, jurisdiction, and contractual obligations. The discussion will provide valuable insights into how arbitrators and practitioners can manage the risks and challenges posed by sanctions in international arbitration.
12:45-1:15 PM – Lunch Break

1:15-2:15 PM – Corporate Counsel Lunch Roundtable
This session will bring together in-house counsel from leading multinational companies to discuss global trends in international dispute resolution and share experiences for managing cross-border disputes. The panel will explore the evolving landscape of international arbitration and how companies are navigating these complexities, balancing cost and efficiency, and responding to geopolitical shifts in the arbitration arena.

2:15-3:15 PM – Session 3 – New York Convention Update - Is Enforcement Becoming Increasingly Difficult?
This panel will explore recent trends and challenges surrounding the enforcement of arbitral awards under the New York Convention. As the cornerstone of international arbitration enforcement, the Convention has faced increasing scrutiny as courts around the world address evolving legal, political, and economic dynamics. Panelists will discuss whether enforcing awards is becoming more difficult, analyzing key cases, jurisdictional inconsistencies, and emerging obstacles such as public policy defenses and sanction-related enforcement issues. Attendees will gain insights into how these developments may affect the reliability and predictability of award enforcement in the future.
  • MODERATOR: Ivana Cingel, Chief Corporate Litigation Officer, Senior VP, Deputy General Counsel, AECOM – Los Angeles
  • Nilufar Hossain, Investment Manager and Legal Counsel, Omni Bridgeway – San Francisco
  • Benjamin T. Jones, Partner, King & Spalding – San Francisco
  • Lindsey D. Schmidt, Partner, Gibson Dunn – New York
  • Diora Ziyaeva, ICC Court member and Partner and U.S. Co-Lead of Mining and Natural Resources, Dentons – New York
3:30-4:30 PM – Session 4 – Arbitration in the Pacific Rim: Bridging Legal Landscapes between the US and Asia
This panel will examine how arbitration in the Pacific Rim is serving as a bridge between the distinct legal landscapes of the US and Asia. As cross-border trade and investment grow between these regions, arbitration has become a critical tool for resolving disputes while navigating different legal, cultural, and regulatory frameworks. Panelists will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in arbitration across these jurisdictions, including the harmonization of legal principles, procedural differences, and the role of key arbitration hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how arbitration fosters cooperation and resolving disputes in this increasingly interconnected region.

4:30-6:00 PM – Closing Reception

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