London Summer Arbitration School

Young practitioners and graduate students working in the field of dispute resolution will particularly benefit from this programme. However, more established practioners may also appreciate a thorough introduction into less known types of arbitration and related practice development opportunities.

Representatives of arbitral institutions, international organisations, top practitioners and scholars will conduct an intensive 5-day programme, which will cover, in addition to other topics:

• institutional and ad hoc arbitration
• jurisdiction of arbitral tribunals
• maritime arbitration
• construction arbitration
• commodities arbitration
• commercial arbitration
• banking & finance arbitration
• arbitration in the digital economy (AI, automated contracting, crypto assets)
• public international law issues in arbitration
• outer space arbitration
• investor-state arbitration
• relationship between arbitral tribunals and domestic courts.

All classes will be taught by the Arbitration Lab faculty consisting of top experts in the area of international arbitration. Learning at the Summer School will involve:

• acquiring theoretical and practical arbitration skills in various fields
• gaining knowledge on key transversal topics
• networking opportunities with top academics, practitioners and international civil servants
• better understanding of various career paths in international arbitration
• exposure to novel teaching methods and a collection of teaching materials
• a certificate of completion.

Many of the world’s major banks and law firms are headquartered in London, and law firms from the United Stated often use London as a gateway to their practice in Europe. The law of England and Wales remains the most frequently chosen law applicable to contracts not only in Europe but in Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. English remains the most common language of business communication today with many contracts drafted in English and arbitral proceedings conducted in English. This is why some call London both the financial and the legal capital of Europe.

The English justice system based on common law has centuries of tradition behind it and shaped many other legal systems of the world. London is renowned for the quality and impartiality of its judges. That makes London a frequently chosen seat of arbitration for many international disputes. In addition, London is home to the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the London Maritime Arbitration Association (LMAA), various arbitral institutions dealing with commodities arbitration such as the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA).

London remains Europe’s most visited city by tourists. Some of the city’s best museums, including the British Museum, the Tate Modern and the Museum of London are within a short walk from the summer school’s location. The shopping temptations of the Oxford Street and the bars of Soho are also a stone’s throw away. The participants will benefit from a bespoke Legal London Walk, taking them to the Inns of Court, the Royal Court of Justice and the Old Bailey.

Participants of the 2022 London Summer Arbitration School

The programme of the 2024 summer school is available here: London Summer Arbitration School Programme.

Apply online

We no longer accept applications for the 2024 London Summer Arbitration School. If you are interested in participating in the 2025 edition of the school, please express your interest here.

Tuition fee (incl. VAT)

*For staff and students of the University of Basel special rates apply, please contact anna.petrig@unibas.ch

Costs

Arbitration Lab expects that those who apply will be able to cover the costs of their participation (including travel, accommodation and other costs of in-person participation). Unfortunately, we cannot offer financial assistance.

Sponsorship opportunities

Arbitration Lab welcomes expressions of interest in the summer arbitration school from potential corporate sponsors. Typically 2-3 leading arbitration law firms sponsor Arbitration Lab schools. Sponsorship benefits include speaking slots and free places for participants, the promotion of the firm and its logo on marketing materials, social media and other benefits. Sponsorship also helps to enable the participation of those who otherwise would be unable to attend.

For additional sponsorship information, please see this brochure and contact info@arbitrationlab.com.

Further information

With any questions please email info@arbitrationlab.com. You may also want to follow the Arbitration Lab on LinkedIn and other social networks.