ICC YAAF: The Art of Impactful Opening and Closing Statements

06 Nov 2023

New York English
Start: 17.30 (ET) || End: 21:00 (ET)

Join ICC YAAF, IBA Arb-40, and the Columbia International Arbitration Association for an in-depth workshop on preparing effective opening and closing arguments for arbitration hearings.

At this workshop, attendees will learn key strategies to present your case, integrate witness and expert testimonies, and master the nuances of oral advocacy. Attendees will also have the chance to discover the art of creating captivating slides from an industry expert. Finally, at the end of the workshop, attendees will see the evening’s lessons come together in a live mock demonstration, followed by comprehensive feedback from experienced lawyers and arbitrators.

Open to those aged 40 and under, YAAF provides opportunities for individuals to gain knowledge, develop their skills and understand ICC’s arbitral procedure and other dispute resolution services.

(ET Time Zone)

17:30 – 17:40

Opening Remarks

A presentation of key insights into delivering effective opening and closing arguments.

  • George Bermann, Walter Gellhorn Professor of Law and Director of the Center for International Commercial & Investment Arbitration, Columbia Law School, New York

17:40 – 18:00

Tribunal Commentary

A tribunal of three distinguished arbitrators and practitioners will share their comments about the topics discussed in the opening remarks. 

Moderator:

  • Jody Kraus, Alfred McCormack Professor of Law, Columbia Law School, New York

Speakers:

  • Jean E. Kalicki, Independent Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers, New York
  • Rachel Gupta, Principal, Gupta Dispute Resolutions LLC, New York  
  • Jennifer Permesly, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York

18:00 – 18:25

Creating an Impactful Powerpoint Presentation 

A presentation about and discussion of tips for crafting impactful slides for use in opening and closing arguments.

  • Jeff Isler, Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting, New York

18:25 – 18:45

Tribunal Commentary

The tribunal will share their insights on what slide techniques and strategies have proven most impactful in their experience. 

Moderator:

  • Jody Kraus, Alfred McCormack Professor of Law, Columbia Law School, New York

Speakers:

  • Jean E. Kalicki, Independent Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers, New York
  • Rachel Gupta, Principal, Gupta Dispute Resolutions LLC, New York  
  • Jennifer Permesly, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York

18:45 – 19:10

Mock Presentation

A real-time demonstration of opening and closing arguments. We will aim to apply all the advice provided by the preceding speakers.

  •  Amir Farhadi, Member, IBA Arb40; Associate, Foley Hoag, Boston
  • Julio Rivera Rios, Member, IBA Arb40; Associate, Debevoise, New York

19:10 – 19:30

Tribunal Commentary

The tribunal will critique the presentation, pointing out the strengths and areas for improvement.

Moderator:

  • Jody Kraus, Alfred McCormack Professor of Law, Columbia Law School, New York

Speakers:

  • Jean E. Kalicki, Independent Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers, New York
  • Rachel Gupta, Principal, Gupta Dispute Resolutions LLC, New York  
  • Jennifer Permesly, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York

19:30 – 19:45

Q&A Session

An opportunity for the audience to engage with the speakers and ask any pressing questions.

19:45 – 19:50

Closing Remarks

  • Zizhi (Grace) Xu, JD President, Columbia International Arbitration Association, New York 

19:50 – 21:00

Cocktail Reception

An opportunity for both the audience and the speakers to network and discuss the evening's topics further.

Additional speakers to be announced shortly

George Bermann

Walter Gellhorn Professor of Law and Director of the Center for International Commercial & Investment Arbitration, Columbia Law School, New York

Amir Farhadi

Member, IBA Arb40; Associate, Foley Hoag, Boston

Rachel Gupta

Principal, Gupta Dispute Resolutions LLC, New York 

Abbey Hawthorne

Deputy Director, Arbitration and ADR, North America, ICC Dispute Resolution Services

Jeff Isler

Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting, New York

Jean E. Kalicki

Independent Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers, New York

Jody Kraus

Alfred McCormack Professor of Law, Columbia Law School, New York

Jennifer Permesly

Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York

Julio Rivera Rios

Member, IBA Arb40; Associate, Debevoise, New York

Zizhi (Grace) Xu

JD President, Columbia International Arbitration Association, New York

Venue

Columbia University

William and June Warren Hall

Feldberg Space

1125 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, NY 10025

U.S.A.

 

For further information, please contact:

Kiara Williams

Promotion Officer, Arbitration and ADR, North America, ICC Dispute Resolution Services

iccdrs-northam@iccwbo.org

Organisers

Partners

What is ICC YAAF ?

At ICC, we believe that through training and mentorship, we can shape the next generation of leading international arbitration and ADR experts. Through the ICC Young Arbitration and ADR Forum (YAAF) network, we are able to better inform, connect and inspire young professionals with interests in dispute resolution and dispute avoidance.

Throughout the world, ICC YAAF organises a number of educational and social events that allow young professionals to discover best practices, discuss topical issues, network and create meaningful connections with experienced practitioners.

Learn more about ICC YAAF Join the network

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