Shearman & Sterling
Alex Bevan is a partner in the International Arbitration practice and the Managing Partner for the firm’s Abu Dhabi office. He leads the firm's Construction practice. He is also a member of the Firm’s 9-member Policy Committee. Alex specializes in complex international arbitration proceedings arising out of construction and development projects, investments, acquisitions and joint ventures. These disputes arise in a range of industries, in particular infrastructure, power, oil and gas and telecoms. He also regularly serves as Arbitrator in international arbitration proceedings.
Allen & Overy
Naomi Briercliffe is a senior associate in the international arbitration team of Allen & Overy in London. She has also practised in Paris and New York. Naomi represents clients in international commercial and investor-state arbitrations, and has also advised on state-to-state disputes, including before the International Court of Justice and Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal.
Naomi acts for a broad spectrum of clients from around the globe and involved in different industry sectors, although she has particular experience of energy, telecoms and infrastructure disputes. In addition to her Who’s Who Arbitration 2019 “future leaders” ranking, she was recommended by Chambers in 2019 as an “associate to watch” in investor-state arbitration and public international law, and as a “next generation lawyer” in public international law by Legal 500. The directories describe her as a “highly capable lawyer, destined for a bright future” and reference, among other things, her “high intellectual rigour and excellent client management skills”.
13.30: Welcome coffee and registration
14.00: An introduction to the Who's Who Legal Future Leaders research
Rupert Wilson, Editor, Who’s Who Legal
14.05: Chairs’ opening remarks
Alex Bevan, Shearman & Sterling
Naomi Briercliffe, Allen & Overy
14.15: Session one: Fireside chat
In this interview style session, our group of future leaders will discuss their tips on how to make it as an arbitrator.
Interviewer:
Alex Bevan, Shearman & Sterling
Interviewee:
Christine Artero, Arbitration Chambers
Carmen Martinez Lopez, Three Crowns
15.00: Session two: what does the future hold for arbitration?
Our panel will explore key issues affecting arbitration today and consider what the future holds.
Topics our esteemed panel are expected to discuss:
Moderator:
Naomi Briercliffe, Allen & Overy
Panel:
José Feris, Squire Patton Boggs
Rachael O'Grady, Mayer Brown
Rishab Gupta, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
Thierry Tomasi, Herbert Smith Freehills
16.15: Coffee break
16.45: Session three: The GAR Live debate
In Oxford Union style, we will hear teams of debaters argue in favour of, or against, a motion. A panel of judges will then voice opinions on what has been heard, before choosing which side to support and giving reasons for their decisions.
Motion: “This house believes the rise of new regional arbitral seats and institutions will change international arbitration for the better."
Moderator:
Alex Bevan, Shearman & Sterling
Judges:
Duncan Bagshaw, Howard Kennedy
Tilman Niedermaier, CMS
Charis Tan, DWF
Debaters:
Sebastiano Nessi, Schellenberg Wittmer
Thierry Ngoga Gakuba, Legal Line Partners
Dharshini Prasad, WilmerHale
Sarah Vasani, Addleshaw Goddard
18.15: Chairs’ closing remarks
Alex Bevan, Shearman & Sterling
Naomi Briercliffe, Allen & Overy
18.30 onwards: All delegates are invited to attend a drinks reception