15th ICC New York Conference on International Arbitration

12.00 – 12.20

Welcome Addresses

• Alexander G. Fessas, Secretary General, ICC International Court of Arbitration; Director, ICC Dispute Resolution Services, Paris
• Marek Krasula, Director, Arbitration and ADR, North America, SICANA, Inc./International Court of Arbitration®
• Alexis Mourre, President, ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris

12.20 – 13.20

Panel 1: Volatility in the Energy Industry: Navigating the Uncertain Waters of 2020

This roundtable discussion will feature a leading energy practitioner in conversation with eminent in-house counsel as they examine the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic along with the drop in oil prices and demand on commercial contracts and investments in the energy industry. The speakers will address how energy companies have managed the impacts of the current global reality and attempted to mitigate their risks going forward. The discussion will examine how the present landscape has given or may give rise to the review, suspension and termination of contracts/projects and what impact the current disruptions have had on various strategic considerations in relation to ongoing disputes, business relationships and dispute resolution choices.

• Kathryn Barnes, Senior Counsel, Chevron, San Ramon, California, United States 
• Juan Marcos Braga, VP Legal, Americas Region, Total, Houston, United States
• Taísa Maciel, General Counsel, Petrobras, Brazil

Chaired by

• Wade M. Coriell, Partner, King & Spalding, Singapore

13.20 – 13.25

Break

13.25 – 14.25

Panel 2: Getting to the Truth About Witness Evidence: Practitioners Confess

The panel will lead an interactive discussion and invite the audience to participate in a series of hypothetical scenarios regarding choices around the preparation and presentation of witness evidence. How might counsel’s strategic plan for witness evidence change depending on whether the hearing will be in-person or virtual? What practical steps might be taken by counsel to improve the value or persuasiveness of witness evidence? What would arbitral tribunals like to see more of, or less of, from counsel when presenting witness evidence? What steps can arbitrators take to allay concerns about being able to properly assess the credibility and significance of witness evidence in a virtual environment?

• Gerry Ghikas, QC, Independent Arbitrator, Vancouver Arbitration Chambers, Vancouver, Canada
• Samaa Haridi, Partner, Hogan Lovells, New York, United States
• Rachel D. Kent, Partner; Vice chair, International Arbitration Practice Group, WilmerHale, Washington DC, United States

14.25 – 14.35

Closing remarks

• Tina Cicchetti, Independent Arbitrator, Vancouver Arbitration Chambers, Dallas, United States; Chair, ICC Canada Arbitration Committee
• Marek Krasula, Director, Arbitration and ADR, North America, SICANA, Inc./International Court of Arbitration®
• Nancy Thevenin, International Arbitrator and Mediator and Adjunct Professor of Law, St. John's University School of Law; General Counsel, USCIB, New York