We are pleased to announce that Artem Trofymenko and Benjamin Wells recently had the privilege of participating in the GREAT Legal Services delegation in East Africa. This exclusive program of events, organised in collaboration with Africa Legal, took place in March 2024, with the delegation visiting Nairobi in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
The delegation also had the privilege of visiting the impressive Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre, which focuses on the promotion of business, development of affordable housing and construction of the largest solar park in Kenya.
The highlight of the programme was the roundtable discussions, which provided us with a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most experienced legal professionals in East Africa. These interactive sessions facilitated insightful conversations and the exchange of best practices.
On 22 February 2024 the UK Government published its first sanctions strategy. The report notes that the UK has transformed its use of sanctions in recent years, deploying sanctions in innovative ways. UK sanctions seek to isolate, restrict, or change the behaviour of targeted actors.
Belgravia Law is pleased that Shantanu Majumdar KC and Benjamin Wells are due to speak at English Law Day in Istanbul. The conference is organised by the Eurasian Legal Professionals’ Forum in collaboration with the Bar Council of England & Wales, which serves as a platform for legal practitioners from around the world to delve into the depths of English law, exchange experience and foster valuable connections.
English Law Day has been a longstanding collaboration between the Bar Council of England & Wales and the Law Society of England & Wales. Over the past decade, with the support of the British Embassies, and their ambassadors, this event has successfully promoted the progression of English qualified legal professionals, worldwide.
The next English Law Day Conference will be held in Istanbul in April 2024.
Here are the Conference details:
Date: Wednesday, 17 April 2024
Time: 09:00 to 18:00
Location: Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. No: 46, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye.
The conference will touch on a number of key themes, including:
Arbitration in Turkey and the wider Eurasian region – local perspectives;
Resolving disputes through the eyes of a company;
Dispute resolution, enforcement and finances, unlocking value in claims, judgments and awards / damages masterclass;
Impact of sanctions on trade, transactions, contracts and disputes;
The psychology of arbitration;
Combating corruption and fraud through freezing orders, investigations, private prosecutions etc.
English Law Days are a fantastic opportunity for lawyers from around the world to meet with English legal practitioners, to share expertise and develop business relationships.
We would be delighted if you could join us. Attendance is free of charge but places are limited so please register here to secure your place.
International arbitration is a widely used method for resolving cross-border disputes. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about international arbitration:
International arbitration is a private dispute resolution process used to resolve conflicts between parties from different countries. It provides an alternative to traditional court litigation and allows parties to choose a neutral forum and applicable rules.
International arbitration offers several advantages, including flexibility, neutrality, confidentiality, enforceability of awards across borders, and the ability to select arbitrators with expertise in the relevant field.
There are several prominent international arbitration institutions, such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). These institutions provide rules, administrative support, and a framework for conducting arbitrations.
In international arbitration, parties have the opportunity to participate in the selection of arbitrators. Typically, each party appoints one arbitrator, and those two arbitrators then select a third arbitrator (the presiding arbitrator) to form a three-member tribunal. Alternatively, parties may opt for a sole arbitrator.
One significant advantage of international arbitration is the enforceability of arbitral awards across borders. The United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention) facilitates the enforcement of arbitral awards in over 160 countries that have ratified the convention.
National courts play a supportive role in international arbitration. They can assist with matters such as enforcing interim measures, appointing arbitrators, and setting aside or enforcing arbitral awards. However, the primary decision-making authority lies with the arbitral tribunal.
The duration of international arbitration varies depending on the complexity of the dispute, the number of parties involved, and the procedural choices made. Generally, international arbitration is considered a more expeditious method for resolving disputes compared to traditional court litigation.
The grounds for appealing an arbitral award are typically limited. Most legal systems provide limited recourse to set aside an award, usually based on grounds such as procedural irregularities, lack of jurisdiction, or public policy violations. However, the ability to appeal arbitral awards is generally more limited than in traditional court litigation.
At Belgravia Law, we are well known for our expertise in contentious matters, particularly arbitration.
Our notable achievements include:
Representing an international energy concern in ICC arbitration against an American engineering company. The engineering company pleaded breach of contract relying on force majeure provisions in relation to export controls and sanctions.
LCIA Arbitration – representing the Claimant in relation to non-acceptance of shipped goods under a supply contract for damages for the Respondents refusal take delivery.
HKIAC Arbitration – representing the Claimant in a dispute over the purchase of a manufacturing company in relation to misappropriation of funds during execution of the share purchase agreement.
Ad hoc arbitration (using LMAA rules) on behalf of an international distributor of fertilizers.
For tailored guidance for your circumstances, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the assistance and support you require.
For all enquiries please write to: contact@belgravia.law.
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