International arbitration has become a very important mechanism for resolving national and international disputes.  The rise in the number of arbitrations in Latin America and the increasing sophistication of practitioners in the region has led to an increase in the number of Latin American arbitrators and arbitration practitioners with experience dealing with and/or applying New York law.  Nonetheless, international arbitration in Latin America is far from being a homogeneous unit. Countries in the region are different and each have a distinct legal system and approach to international arbitration. This panel will discuss the differences that U.S. parties may encounter in arbitration and/or enforcing awards in their jurisdictions including how New York law is dealt with.

Episode 2 of this podcast primer for Latin-American practitioners focuses on the clashes of costs and cultures.  We examine several topics to dispel myths between perception and practice about treatment under New York law or a New York seat, including: (i) the costs of arbitration seated in New York as compared to other leading arbitral seats in Latin America and (ii) clashes of cultures as it pertains to cultural diversity with contracts drafted under New York law models with Latin American governing law and a New York seat in addition to risk of punitive damages, disclosure, and confidentiality issues.

Episode 1 of this podcast primer for Latin-American practitioners focuses on the intersection between international arbitration and the U.S. courts.  We examine several topics to dispel myths between perception and practice about treatment under New York law or a New York seat, including: (i) the availability/effectiveness of interim relief both in aid of arbitration and to disrupt arbitration; (ii) compelling arbitration against non-signatories; and (iii) post arbitration enforcement, procedural issues and the application of manifest disregard in annulment proceedings.

In 1918, the world was struck by pandemic of the H1N1 virus, affecting one-third of the global population with at least 50 million deaths.  The devastation had a major impact on legal principles and institutions, including contract nonperformance, impact of quarantine on business closure, and governments responding to crisis.  And, it provided a watershed moment of collaboration and innovation, producing the New York Convention amongst other international conventions and provisions.  Flash forward to 2020, and the world is struck by pandemic of the COVID19 virus, with impact and deaths still tolling.  Here again, there is a path of resilience and progress.  The discussion will include key considerations and best practices as international arbitration adapts to economies in flux, virtual proceedings, and rethinking arbitration clause drafting. 

In this informative discussion, NYIAC Executive Director Rekha Rangachari discusses the NYIAC’s mission, structure, and initiatives with International Arbitration partner J.P. Duffy.

Executive Director of the New York International Arbitration Center (NYIAC) Rekha Rangachari joins Reed Smith host Gautam Bhattacharyya for this Spotlight on International Arbitration session. They discuss the path that led Rekha to NYIAC, international arbitration in New York and further afield, the goals and focus of NYIAC, and her views on improving diversity in the law.