A Q&A Discussion With White & Case Partner Jonathan C. Hamilton
Q: What is the ITA Americas Initiative?
A: Established over two decades ago, ITA is an educational forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of best practices among the leading arbitrators and practitioners in the field of international arbitration. Its widely-known annual conference in Dallas features a mock arbitration event that has been a training ground for many practitioners in the field. Several years ago, ITA established the Americas Initiative and began organizing similar annual conferences on the ground in Latin America, most recently in Buenos Aires (2007), São Paulo (2008) and Mexico City (2009). ITA Advisory Board Chair Professor David D. Caron and Advisory Board Director David B. Winn (who also serves as Vice President of ITA’s parent entity, the Center for American & International Law), among others, continue to be critical to these efforts.
Q: How are regional arbitral institutions relevant?
A: ITA is a neutral organization aimed at promoting arbitration and works with diverse organizations. In addition to the important role of global institutions such as the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) and International Centre for Dispute Resolution (“ICDR”), regional and local arbitral institutions have contributed to the proliferation of arbitration in Latin America. As an example, the Lima Chamber of Commerce and AmCham Perú have significant and growing case loads that reflect the emergence of an arbitration-friendly culture in Peru. The credibility and strength of local institutions is important to the further development of arbitration in the region.
Q: How does ITA’s mission coincide with the role of regional arbitral institutions?
A: The ITA Americas Initiative aims to assist, by working with local institutions to organize annual conferences in the region. Most recently, the Americas Initiative held a roundtable meeting of the leaders of regional arbitral institutions at the Mexico City conference. The Americas Initiative will continue to focus on the role of these critical regional institutions.
