This is a one-day event organised by the Young Members Group of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, kindly hosted by CMS Edinburgh.

The conference will focus on the theme “How to make arbitration better”. We know that the flexibility of arbitration has a lot to commend itself as a dispute resolution option but it often receives negative press for being too slow, too expensive or too similar to the court process. This interactive conference will look at ways that the arbitration process can be improved, learn from other areas and “future proof” itself to become more relevant for sectors it isn’t currently used in or better for areas that it is frequently used.

The conference is primarily aimed at the CIArb YMG’s membership pool i.e. practitioners under 40 or students interested in building a career in dispute resolution. There is no requirement to be a CIArb member or YMG member to attend.

The keynote speech will be delivered by Lindy Patterson QC FCIArb, and the welcome address by CIArb President, Thomas D. Halket C.Arb FCIArb.

Following on from their remarks, the conference will move to several panel sessions and debates with the following topics and speakers:
• In collaboration with Young ICCA Panel 1: How to make arbitration procedure better - Rahul Donde, Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler and Young ICCA; Fiona Cameron, Gillespie McAndrew and Young Mediators; Mélanie Riofrio, Armesto & Asociados Árbitro; Catherine Anne Kunz, Lalive
• How to make construction arbitration better - Peter Anagnostou, DLA Piper; Laura West, CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang; Callum Murray, Amiqus; Marily Paralika, Field Fisher; Owain Evans, William J Marshall
• How to make investment arbitration better: Reform or revolution - Sebastiano Nessi, Schellenberg Wittmer; Athina Fouchard, Eversheds Sutherland; Jaroslav Kudrna, in-house lawyer at the agency of the Czech Republic
• Debate - How to make justice better, the arbitration of small claims - Rainbow Willard, Chaffetz Lindsey; Meredith Craven, White & Case; Naomi Briercliffe, Allen & Overy; Hafez Virjee, Delos Dispute Resolution
• Debate - How arbitration might make the world better - Dharam Jumani, Counsel, Chambers of Mr. S. U. Kamdar, SC, Mumbai; Rainbow Willard, Chaffetz Lindsey and Emilie Gonin, Doughty Street Chambers

Cost: Attendance to this event is free of charge but places are limited and pre-registration is a must.

Welcome and networking Whisky Tasting, the evening before the conference (Thursday 7 November 2019), 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. - FULLY BOOKED
If you are arriving in Edinburgh the evening before the conference we are hosting a free welcome drinks reception, kindly sponsored by the CIArb Scottish Branch and CMS. What better welcome to Edinburgh than a whisky tasting, providing you the opportunity to learn more about Scotland’s favourite drink as well as network with other delegates ahead of the main conference. This event will be held at CMS’ office where the conference will also take place the next day.
Cost: Free of charge but places are limited and pre-registration is a must.

Post conference Gala Dinner (Friday 8 November 2019), Welcome Drinks from 7.00pm - 8.00pm, followed by dinner.
Following the conference we will be hosting a Gala Dinner kindly sponsored by the CIArb Scotland Branch. The dinner will be hosted in the nearby Kimpton Hotel, Charlotte Square which is a short walk from the conference venue. Attendees will have an opportunity to network further with other delegates and speakers. We do hope you will be able to help us round off the conference in style.
Cost: £30 inclusive of VAT. Pre-registration is a must. 

For more information, please contact Laura West by emailing laura.west@cms-cmno.com

We are most grateful to:
• Our sponsors CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang and the CIArb Scotland Branch.
• Our organising committee – Ronan O’Reilly, White & Case; Athina Fouchard, Eversheds Sutherland; Laura West, CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang; Peter Anagnostou, DLA Piper; Rainbow Willard, Chaffetz Lindsey; Dharam Jumani, Counsel, Chambers of Mr. S. U. Kamdar, SC, Mumbai; Rahul Donde, Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler.