Introduction

The Arbitration Act has been in force for 25 years. At the request of the UK Government, the Law Commission was tasked with reviewing the Act, to determine whether there may be a need for any amendments to it to ensure that “it is fit for purpose and that it continues to promote the UK as a leading destination for commercial arbitrations”. The Law Commission conducted wide Consultations with stakeholders and research into the provisions of the Act. Broadly, the feedback has been that the Act works well and that no major reforms are required.

Although the Law Commission agrees with the general feedback, it believes that there are some discrete topics which require attention to ensure that the Act “remains at the cutting edge”. Therefore, it asks consultees whether reform might be merited in the listed topics, which will be debated during this seminar.

Some of the issues for discussion but not limited to the following

• The Commission’s proposals re discrimination
• Interim measures ordered by the court in support of arbitral proceedings (s44 of the Act)
• Jurisdictional challenges against arbitral awards (s67)
• Appeals on a point of law (s69)
• Immunity of arbitrators
• Governing law/Separability
• Summary disposal

The members of the panel
Chairman: The Honourable Mr Justice Henshaw

Panellists:

The Hon. Sir Bernard Eder – Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Philippa Hopkins KC – Essex Court Chambers
Poonam Melwani KC – Quadrant Chambers
Sherina Petit - Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright

This is a hybrid event. Please note that in person spaces are limited and will be allocated on first come first served basis when registering.

Register Here