The Kompetenz-Kompetenz doctrine presumes that an international arbitral tribunal has jurisdiction to assess and decide its own jurisdiction. Legal systems adopt different approaches to the Kompetenz-Kompetenz principle. National arbitration legislation varies regarding the versions of the Kompetenz-Kompetenz principle adopted.[1] The principle involves two types of effects. The positive effect of Kompetenz-Kompetenz is that the arbitral […]
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards against State Assets: Sovereign Immunity in the United States
The main issue related to enforcement of an arbitral award against a State in the United States is the State’s sovereign immunity. Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (“FSIA”), foreign sovereigns enjoy immunity from jurisdiction, a presumptive immunity from suit in U.S. federal and state courts, and immunity from execution, whereby their property is immune […]
William Kirtley and Marie-Camille Pitton Named Who’s Who in International Arbitration
William Kirtley and Marie-Camille Pitton of Aceris Law LLC have obtained another distinction, being named as Who’s Who in the fields of investment arbitration, construction arbitration and commercial arbitration. Since 2014, William Kirtley has spearheaded efforts to develop a better, more modern and more cost-effective boutique arbitration practice, which is perfectly-tailored for international dispute resolution […]
Advance on Costs in ICSID Arbitration
The filing of a Request for Arbitration in an ICSID arbitration implies an obligation for the parties to pay several costs needed for the arbitral proceedings. In addition to the legal fees for the parties’ legal representation, and additional party costs such as the cost of experts, and the payment of a non-refundable lodging fee […]
Prolongation Claims in Construction Arbitration: Heads of Costs That May Be Claimed
“Prolongation claims”, sometimes known as “delay claims”, are a common feature of construction disputes. The expression “prolongation claim” or “delay claim” is generally used to describe a monetary claim which follows from a delay to project completion. These claims should be distinguished from a “disruption claim”, which is generally used to describe a monetary claim […]