Arbitration & Mediation

Arbitration is a means of resolving disputes by the final decision of a private tribunal chosen by the parties or chosen by a method to which the parties have agreed. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which a neutral mediator assists parties to settle their disputes.

Members of 20 Essex Street have great experience acting on behalf of parties involved in international arbitration or mediation, and acting as arbitrator or mediator. Members are also frequently involved in arbitration applications to Court.

A number of highly respected domestic and international arbitrators and mediators conduct their practices from 20 Essex Street. They include:

• Former and current judges, either in the UK or overseas
• Former partners in international law firms
• Distinguished academics
• Former barristers

At present, the chairmen of the HKIAC and SIAC are members, and other members hold or have held leading positions in various international arbitration and mediation institutions. Members have written or edited leading textbooks.

Some members are accredited as mediators by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).

20 Essex Street has an office at Maxwell Chambers in Singapore. a leading arbitration facility in Asia.

Members are on the panels of and/or have been involved in arbitrations administered by (among others):

• The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
• The International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
• The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
• The International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR)
• The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
• The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)

and the Stockholm Arbitration Institute, the World Intellectual Project Organisation (WIPO), the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the International Joint Commission (IJC), the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), and the International Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

Members participate in arbitrations in various countries and under many different rules including the rules of:

• The London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA)
• The Grain & Feed Trade Association (GAFTA)
• The Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Associations (FOSFA)

and the Sugar Association of London (SAL), the Refined Sugar Association (RSA), the London Metal Exchange (LME), the London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association (LCLCBA), and UNCITRAL.