A message from the chief executive of The International Arbitration Centre
As London’s newest dispute resolution centre, The International Arbitration Centre (IAC) is delighted to sponsor the Disputes Yearbook. It is no exaggeration to say that over the last ten years London has risen to become the new home of international arbitration, offering a selection of firms and chambers, partners, barristers and QCs, and a deep pool of supporting counsel, funders, and experts.
It boasts a system of law that is truly global, commercial courts that are the envy of the world, and wider judiciary that is both expert in and supportive of commercial arbitration. It also has a unique geographical location between the US and Asia, offering the perfect neutral ground. We are raising London’s game and putting us back on the map at a time when great uncertainty surrounds our capital city. London is the preferred seat for international disputes.
At the heart of the IAC is confidentiality. Our first hearing floor houses one hearing at a time – parties will not see anyone that is not involved in that dispute on that floor. Our staff, if required, won’t know who the parties are and we can operate by case reference number. For high-end disputes we offer a private driver drop off and total discretion. Each party is housed in a four-room suite, with conferencing, copying and audio-visual facilities. Teams are able to work in the suites, clients can watch the proceedings via a live stream, and private Wi-Fi and keycard access provides complete security.
The main hearing room on each floor of the venue, following feedback from leading arbitral figures, has been designed to allow efficient and comfortable proceedings – from the latest technology with the option to record the hearings in both audio and visual, to bespoke file storage, and seating for up to 30 individuals on Boss chairs, the same used at the G8 summit. The IAC is the perfect ADR facility. London is a premier legal hub, home to a pool of world-class lawyers, and it now has a premier ADR facility to settle the most complex disputes. The IAC is an independent centre so is available to host arbitrations, mediations, adjudications and FDRs.
Owen Lawrence, chief executive, International Arbitration Centre
