International Arbitration Guide

United Kingdom

Edwin Coe LLP

Describe the international arbitration governing bodies/structure in your jurisdiction.

The laws of England & Wales often apply to international disputes, because it is viewed as a reputable jurisdiction in which to litigate. The institutions and access to legal resources here ensure that both domestic and international arbitral proceedings can be handled effectively, often under the rules of one of the arbitral institutions, such as the LCIA and ICC. The Arbitration Act 1996, governing the conduct of an arbitration, can apply to both domestic and international disputes.

Describe any unique circumstances in your country that affect international arbitration (i.e., change in government, etc.).

None; arbitral work is conducted without any impediment, and London is a global centre for international arbitration.

Please provide a brief overview of your firms international arbitration capabilities (team members, experience as litigators in arbitration as well as experience as arbitrators).

We act for a large Chinese Reinsurer in a USD$250m Reinsurance arbitration and have been engaged in a UNCITRAL-governed insurance quantum dispute. We acted for a US glass manufacturer in a dispute with a Belgium based supplier in the course of a joint venture agreement for a glass making facility in Kazakhstan. We have conducted ad hoc and institutional arbitrations both domestically and internationally e.g. we advised on a bilateral investment treaty arbitration between Canada and Colombia.

In which areas does your firm handle arbitration? (i.e., international investment, infrastructure, public works, energy, construction, etc.)

Insurance, General Commercial, Banking and Finance, Group Action, Construction, Hospitality, Joint Venture Agreements, Intellectual Property, Corporate.

Which industries does your firm serve in this area (i.e., energy, insurance, public concessions, etc.)?

Manufacturing, Education, Food & Beverage, Hotels, Finance, Property, Shipping, Professional Negligence.

Does your firm provide lawyer representation or certified arbitrator resources, or both? Please describe.

We have in-house solicitors and barristers who are able to assist, as well as access to leading commercial chambers. Our former Senior/Managing Partner often acts as an arbitrator in shareholder and partnership disputes and our current Senior Partner is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute and has advised the Governments of Libya and Tanzania on commercial arbitration and legislative changes.