In association with Squire Patton Boggs:
Doha, April 16, 2017
The International Chamber of Commerce Qatar (ICC Qatar) in association with Squire Patton Boggs held a panel discussion on “Preparing for an Arbitration”, the fourth in ICC Qatar’s monthly “Arbitration Series” as part of the 2017 programme of its Commission on Arbitration and ADR.
For his part, Qatar Chamber and ICC Qatar Chairman and the Executive Board Member of ICC International Secretariat HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani said that the topic discussed in the fourth seminar of ICC Qatar’s Arbitration Program 2017 is so important for the whole process. It reviews the basic elements to successfully prepare for an arbitration case.
He assured that proper preparation is essential for a party to achieve favorable results in resolving a dispute using arbitration.
Attending the seminar, Mr. Charbel Maakaron, Head of the ICC Qatar Commission on Arbitration and ADR and Managing Partner of the Doha office of Squire Patton Boggs, highlighted the three seminars hosted by the Commission during the year 2017, saying: “Panels discussed topics of Party Participation in an Arbitration, Drafting Arbitration Clauses and the Qatar’s New Arbitration Law”. There are two panels discussions left, he added. “It was a very informative, interactive discussion about issues in preparing for arbitration. The questions and interest from the attendees certainly underscore the importance and relevance of this topic. We are proud of the commitment, dedication, and knowledge that our commission members have demonstrated so far in the four sessions that we have presented.”
The seminar which was delivered by Tarek Saad from Squire Patton Boggs provided an insight into the different phases and timelines during the buildup to an arbitration and provided practical advice on the groundwork required for a successful outcome.
Mr. Tarek Saad emphasized the importance of building a credible story through chronologies, sharing his experience and vision for parties and lawyers to use in arbitration proceedings.
He gave examples of goals that parties might have when resolving disputes by arbitration, including winning an arbitration award, gaining leverage in settlement talks, setting precedent and reputation in the business community, assessing past mistakes and improving on future projects or transactions, and vindication and validation.
An arbitration process typically involves various phases, including a request for arbitration, an answer, terms of reference, a statement of claim and defense, exchanging witness statements, exchanging requests for documents, joint reports by experts, pre-hearing submissions, hearings, post-hearing submissions, a written award, potential appeals and enforcement of an award.
To improve the chances of satisfying one’s goals, these tasks require a party’s top executive management team to commit and devote appropriate resources for preparation, he noted.
Saad also elaborated that parties in arbitration face challenges when they fail to properly investigate and view events too narrowly.
Saad pointed out that it is better to discover problems in one’s position earlier instead of being surprised later with little time to provide evidence in context.
The ICC Qatar “Arbitration Series” follows the Commission’s charge to foster the development of trade and investment between Qatar and the international business community. It has been designed to help inform not only arbitration practitioners but professionals across the entire Qatari community from businesses, governmental agencies and public and private sectors to students.
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About ICC Qatar
ICC Qatar works to connect local businesses to the world – and the world to the businesses of Qatar. As part of the world largest business organisation, ICC Qatar advances the interests of the Qatar business community in trade, investment, industrial and international relations. For more information, visit www.iccqatar.org
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About Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs is one of the world’s strongest integrated legal practices. With 46 offices in 21 countries, the firm is renowned for its local connections and global influence, delivering comprehensive legal services across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. With expertise spanning all key sectors.
