Arbitral Insights

Described by directories as “likely to become a doyen of the market,” Farhaz Khan QC of 3VB joins us for this “Spotlight on…” episode. He and host Gautam Bhattacharyya discuss Farhaz’s academic background, why he became a lawyer, his mentors and career inspirations, potential reforms to the arbitral process – and his 2022 Glastonbury experience.

Gautam Bhattacharyya hosts leading silk Ricky Diwan QC, who effortlessly “glues the attention of the court” in this SAHM Spotlight on… episode. The pair discuss Ricky’s love of languages and French literature, his path to becoming a lawyer in New York and then London, his career inspirations and their impact on his mentoring style, his reflections on being an arbitrator rather than counsel – and his love of the film, 3 Idiots. 

In our inaugural SAHM Spotlight on… episode, Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes a “real star of his generation,” Tony Singla QC, to discuss why Tony pursued a career in the law. Tony shares his career inspirations, how his experience as a mentee impacts him in being a mentor, his thoughts on improving the arbitral process, and ways to further diversity, equality and inclusion in the law and in arbitration – before talking all things Top Gun and skiing in the Alps. 

Rogier Schellaars, partner at Van Doorne and contributor to the Netherlands Arbitration Institute, the Dutch Arbitration Association and the Law Firm School, joins Reed Smith host and Paris-based international arbitration partner Andrew Tetley to discuss the emergency arbitral process, fast track proceedings and the Dutch approach to both. 

International Arbitration Silk of the Year (Chambers UK Bar Awards 2019) Rachel Ansell QC joins Gautam Bhattacharyya to discuss the career path that led her to the law and international arbitration. The duo cover Rachel’s mentors and their impact on her approach to mentoring, ways in which arbitration can be improved, the criticality of improved diversity, equality, and inclusion in the law – and Rachel’s love of cricket and rugby. 

Secretary general of the ICC Court, Alex Fessas joins global chair of Reed Smith’s international arbitration practice, Peter Rosher to talk about diversity in the world of arbitration and at ICC. The pair discuss why ICC is interested in diversity in its broadest sense, the genesis and aims of the World Business Pride initiative, the ICC Court LGBTQ initiative, and 2022 Pride celebrations. 

Olena Perepelynska, head of international arbitration at INTEGRITES, president of the Ukrainian Arbitration Association and chair of the ICC Ukraine Arbitration Commission, joins Paris-based partner Andrew Tetley to discuss international arbitration in Ukraine. The duo explore current ways of working in Ukraine, what arbitration in Ukraine is like more generally, how the conflict has affected arbitral practice, and the activities of the Ukrainian Arbitration Association.

Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes leading commercial silk Chirag Karia KC to discuss the path that led him to the law – first practising for 10 years in California, then coming to the English Bar – and his career in international arbitration. Chirag reflects on his career mentors, explores how the role of arbitrator differs from that of counsel, and shares ways in which we can all improve diversity, equality and inclusion in the law.

Sachin Kerur, Managing Partner of Reed Smith’s Middle East offices, is joined by associates Jane Miles and Soham Panchamiya to discuss the Dubai International Arbitration Centre’s (DIAC’s) new arbitration rules, effective March 21, 2022. The trio discuss the rule amendments and additions, any gaps or omissions, and anticipated benefits and challenges, before closing with their views on the future of arbitration in the United Arab Emirates.

Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes leading senior counsel and Head of Quadrant Chambers, Poonam Melwani QC, for a discussion exploring what brought her to a career in the law, who were (and continue to be) her mentors and career inspirations, her perspectives on arbitration, and how she champions and pushes for diversity, equality and inclusion in the legal world and beyond.