41st Annual Joint SIA-ICC Institute Symposium

41st Annual Joint SIA-ICC Institute Symposium: Hearings in International Arbitration

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Where: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, Exchange House, Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EG

A thought-provoking symposium organised by the School of International Arbitration, QMUL, and the ICC, bringing together leading practitioners, arbitrators, and academics to examine the practice and evolution of hearings in international arbitration. The event will offer a comprehensive exploration of arbitral hearings - from preparation and advocacy to post-hearing deliberations and emerging procedural innovations, while addressing key issues from both counsel and arbitrator perspectives. Through expert discussion and practical insights, the symposium aims to highlight current best practices and the future direction of hearing practice in international arbitration.

 

Hearings in International Arbitration

 

09:00 – 09:30 | Registration and Coffee

09:30 – 09:40 | Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:40-10:00 – 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules: Fireside Chat with Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration

10:00 – 11:10 | Panel 1 – The Hearing: Counsel’s Perspective - Advocacy and Evidence

Moderator: Norah Gallagher, Queen Mary University of London; Director, School of International Arbitration

Speakers:

Andrew Cannon, HSF Kramer, London

Kai-Uwe Karl, GE, London

Anne Véronique Schlaepfer, White and Case, Geneva

Saadia Bhatty, Gide, London

11:10 – 11:40 | Coffee Break

11:40 – 12:50 | Panel 2 – The Hearing: Arbitrator’s Perspective - Efficiency and Effectiveness

Moderator: Dr Crina Baltag, Queen Mary University of London, ICC Institute of World Business Law, ARBITRA

Speakers:

Angeline Welsh KC, Essex Court Chambers, London

Veijo Heiskanen, ARBITRA

Elena Gutierrez Garcia de Cortazar, independent arbitrator Paris/Madrid

Christopher Law SC, 3VB

12:50 – 13:50 | Lunch

13:50 – 15:00 | Panel 3 – Post-Hearing Phase

Moderator: Eduardo Silva-Romero, Wordstone; ICC Institute of World Business Law

Speakers:

Alexander Leventhal, Quinn Emanuel, Paris

Monique Sasson, DeliSasson, Milan, and ARBITRA, London

Sherina Petit, Stewarts, London

Silja Schaffstein, Levy Kaufmann-Kohler, Geneva

15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee Break

15:30 – 16:40 | Panel 4 – The Future of Arbitral Hearings: Technology and Procedural Innovation

Moderator: Emily Hay, ArbBoutique, Bruxelles

Speakers:

Alejandro Escobar, Baker Botts, London

Luis González García, Matrix Chambers, London

Hilde van der Baan, A&O Shearman, Amsterdam

16:40 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks

Key takeaways and reflections on the evolution of hearings in international arbitration.