Trowers & Hamlins

Trowers & Hamlins dispute resolution and arbitration expert, Rob Horne, is to speak at Kluwer Law's first annual 'International Arbitration Summit: The Rise of the Middle East' in Dubai on 20 March 2013.  The all-day summit, taking place at the Shangri La Hotel Dubai, will see some of the world's leading arbitration practitioners and users gather to share their experiences and expertise on the current issues in international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.

Rob, a partner at Trowers & Hamlins' specialising in engineering and international infrastructure disputes, will speak on 'The Role of the Expert Witness in International Arbitration', a topic which is of increasing importance to everyone involved in international arbitration, from parties to arbitrators.  The rising complexity of international trade and investment has led to an equivalent need for expert evidence so that parties can explain the issues and provide proper comment on the standards to be applied to the technical issues in dispute and whether they were met.  He will specifically address issues of selection of appropriate experts by parties or tribunals, perceptions on their use in different jurisdictions and the way best use can be made of expert evidence to achieve a fair and efficient result.

Rob has specialised in the resolution of construction and infrastructure disputes for approximately 20 years within both city of London law firms and for a leading construction consultancy.  He is a Chartered Arbitrator and adjudicator, and has acted for all those involved in construction activities across a wide range of projects throughout the world including in particular the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe.  Rob is often relied upon to bring legal and commercial focus to the analysis and presentation of complex delay and disruption claims and provides the technical-legal interface between experts, clients and the legal team.  He is particularly regarded for his innovation in approach to resolving problems and disputes in long-term projects and has been referred to by leaders in the construction industry as "first class – I would recommend him to anyone the world over" and "always focused and creative in the best approach to take in any case".  He is the co-author of "The Expert Witness in Construction, by Rob Horne & John Mullen", to be published by Wiley-Blackwell in October 2013.

Commenting on the upcoming summit, Rob said:  "The demand for a greater depth of understanding of the issues relating to international arbitration is on the rise, particularly across the Middle East, and this summit is designed to educate in-house counsel and corporate leaders about the latest developments and best practice.  In addition, it will to provide advice and insight into resolving disputes across the banking, shipping and construction industries, amongst others.  I would encourage any company or organisation that wants to get up to speed on approaches to effective dispute resolution to consider attending."

For more information about the summit or to register your interest in attending, visit:  http://www.cch.com.hk/hk/ExecutiveEvents/ExecutiveEventDetails.aspx?ID=1564