BY-INVITATION-ONLY | IN CONJUNCTION WITH SIAA 2026
Evening Talk by J Christopher Thomas KC
“Evolution of ethics rules in arbitration from 1872 forward”
Description:
How have ethical and professional standards in international arbitration evolved since 1872? Drawing on the extraordinary history of the Alabama Claims arbitration, Christopher Thomas KC will examine the evolution of arbitral ethics from the absence of formalised standards in the nineteenth century to the principles and rules that govern contemporary practice.
The talk will examine key questions concerning the qualifications, independence and impartiality of arbitrators, as well as their professional conduct and ethical responsibilities. Drawing contrasts between the Alabama Claims arbitration and present-day arbitration, it will explore issues of confidentiality, deliberations and dissent, highlighting the evolution of expectations and standards governing arbitral practice. It will consider how and why these ethical standards have developed, and the role they play in safeguarding the fairness and legitimacy of arbitral proceedings.
Programme:
|
17:45 – 18:00 |
15 min |
Registration |
|
18:00 – 18:10 |
10 min |
Welcome and introduction.
|
|
18:10 – 18:30 |
20 min |
Overview of the dispute and the diplomatic negotiations leading to the Treaty of Washington, followed by an examination of the Tribunal’s jurisdiction, composition and qualifications of arbitrators, its procedural framework and the challenges that nearly derailed the arbitration. Christopher Thomas KC |
|
18:30 – 19:00 |
30 min |
Presentation by Christopher Thomas KC A comparison with present-day practice, examining confidentiality, deliberations, arbitrator independence, dissent and ethical responsibilities, and drawing lessons for contemporary practitioners on arbitral procedure and ethics. |
|
19:00 – 19:15 |
15 min |
Q&A with J Christopher Thomas KC Moderation: Prof N. Jansen Calamita |
|
19:15 – 20:00 |
45 min |
Networking Reception |
|
20:00 |
|
End of Event |