1. 6th CIS Local Counsel Forum Why arbitration at all ?
6th CIS Local Counsel Forum, Almaty, Kazakhstan June 22 – 24, 2011
Dr. Thomas Rihm, Partner
Thouvenin Attorneys - at - Law
Klausstrasse 33
8034 Zurich, Switzerland
Phone:
Fax :

2. Why arbitration at all ?
existence of arbitration clause excludes a jurisdiction of foreign courts (potential exemption: interim measurers)
parties’ trust to their arbitrators vs. unknown foreign judges
neutrality and capability of emerging markets state courts questionable
private arbitrators more experienced in international business matters
international languages accepted
Dr. Thomas Rihm
Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte, Zurich

3. Why arbitration at all ?
application of foreign laws by state court doubtful
confidentiality: full privacy of arbitration proceeding vs. potentially public hearings in state courts
speed: final award cannot be challenged or only to a very limited extent (can be fully excluded for e.g. Swiss arbitration awards); state court awards in most countries subject to legal remedies
Dr. Thomas Rihm
Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte, Zurich

4. Why arbitration at all ?
well-known international procedures vs. pitfalls of local procedural laws
avoidance of far-reaching Anglo-Saxon pre-trial discovery proceedings / witness cross-examinations
no European-style limitations on evidence taking (IBA-Rules on Evidence Taking in International Commercial Arbitration)
Dr. Thomas Rihm
Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte, Zurich

5. Potential disadvantages of arbitration
expensive: yes
but consider otherwise available legal remedies; consider additional costs such as for travel of parties, witnesses and experts to far-reaching countries, less translation costs, risks and costs of enforcement
Dr. Thomas Rihm
Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte, Zurich

6. Arbitration is market driven
Institutional players
ICC (International Chamber of Commerce)
LCIA (London Court of International Arbitration)
Rules of Arbitration and Conciliation (Vienna Rules)
Swiss Rules of International Arbitration
CIETAC (Chinese International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
SIAC (Singapore International Arbitration Centre)
Dr. Thomas Rihm
Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte, Zurich