Development of Arbitration in England and Wales

The University of London is working with Professor Derek Roebuck on a project which focuses on the history of arbitration.

'Access to Justice: Development of Arbitration in England and Wales', based at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS), aims to complete Professor Roebuck’s 20-year monumental history and establish a long-term platform for arbitration historians.

It will explore how arbitration changed to meet modern commercial demands and will establish a historical foundation for contemporary attempts to provide greater access to justice. 

The final volumes, which are the subject of this initiative, will be produced by a researcher under Professor Roebuck’s guidance and will focus on the 18th and 19th centuries, a period of great change in the legalisation of justice and people’s access to it – topics of direct relevance to present-day concerns and all practitioners in the field.

Support for the project is being led by Lord Neuberger, Sir Bernard Rix, Neil Kaplan CBE QC, V.V. Veeder QC, Professor Doug Jones AO and Gary Born, who have co-signed a letter of support. The University of London has also prepared a project proposal.

Fundraising to enable the completion of this landmark work is underway, and has successfully raised enough to cover the first year of the appointment. The University of London is in the process of recruiting a researcher to work with Professor Roebuck, with the post to commence in August 2018; funds are being sought to cover the second and possibly third years.

The Arete Arbitration Group has been set up to recognise the project’s most committed supporters through specific acknowledgements and special events. Naming opportunities are also offered for support that extends beyond Arete levels. All are applicable to both individuals and organisations. 

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators has made a generous financial commitment in support of the project, for which both the University of London and Professor Roebuck are profoundly grateful. The Chartered Institute has also kindly granted the University of London this opportunity to invite CIArb members to join the project’s supporter network and help to ensure Professor Roebuck’s legacy. 

For further information, please contact Yvette Rathbone (yvette.rathbone@london.ac.uk) at the University of London, who will be delighted to discuss the project further.