Date

Event

January 14^th, 2025

Intro to Space Law and Contemporary Legal Issues in the Space Industry

On 14 January 2025, the Durham Law School and Durham International Dispute Resolution Institute (DIDRI) had the privilege of hosting a guest lecture on Space Law and Contemporary Legal Issues in the Space Industry, delivered by Durham alumnus Yuk Chi Chan, Founder and CEO of Charter. The lecture was highly interactive, participated by students from interdisciplinary backgrounds and interests.

Yuk Chi is a space lawyer and entrepreneur whose company, Charter, collaborates with NASA JPL, the world’s top space insurers, and leading private space firms. Formerly a battalion logistics officer, satellite mission manager, and pioneer of South-East Asia’s first space law practice, he has addressed the UN and advised on national space policies.

December 10^th, 2024

Training for Kazakh judges and lawyers

The Durham International Dispute Resolution Institute (DIDRI) recently hosted a delegation of judges, lawyers, and notaries from Kazakhstan, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and enhancing its global influence in legal education. This visit provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, exploring best practices in dispute resolution, and strengthening ties between legal professionals in Kazakhstan and the UK. By engaging with international delegations, DIDRI reaffirms its role as a hub for cutting-edge research, education, and dialogue in the field of international dispute resolution.

November 11^th , 2024

Seminar Delivered by Neil Kaplan on International Arbitration: “How did we get to here?”

On November 11^th, Durham Law School was honoured to have the leading figure in international arbitration, Mr Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS, attend Dr Can Eken’s LLM course lecture on International Commercial Arbitration; he kindly discussed “How did we get to here” and provided an overview of the development of arbitration practice.

Before the lecture, Mr Kaplan also met with the Durham Moot teams for Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot and Willem C. Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot.

Mr Kaplan’s visit was accompanied by the Dean of Durham Law School, Professor Volker Röben and the Chair in International Arbitration & Chinese Law, Professor Lei Chen, together with two PhD students specialising in International Arbitration, Qian Gao and Yusuf Ozturk. 

November 7^th , 2024

Dr Can Eken’s book launch: Third-Party Funding (TPF) in Investment Arbitration

On November 7^th, Dr Can Eken launched his book ‘Third-Party Funding (TPF) in Investment Arbitration’ at the Durham Law School. He presented a structured overview of the book and shared the empirical research methodologies he used, offering practical insights into understanding TPF.

We were pleased to have Professor Lei Chen and Dr Ronán Feehily as commentators for the event. Both provided analytical and thoughtful perspectives: Professor Chen highlighted the practical applications of TPF, while Dr Feehily explored the ‘rule of law’ underpinning this evolving legal field. Students from diverse backgrounds actively participated, raising questions that ranged from ‘access to justice’ to the ‘financial incentives of TPF’.

To purchase the book, please visit:

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-63620-2

November 6^th , 2024

Seminar on Laws Applicable in Arbitration Agreements and UniCredit Bank GmbH v RusChemAlliance LLC [2024] UKSC 30

On November 6^th, the Durham International Dispute Resolution Institute (DIDRI) had the honour of welcoming George Stigelbauer to deliver a lecture for the International Commercial Arbitration module. He provided valuable insights on hypothetical moot issues, shared techniques for improving the analysis of legal case papers, and demonstrated strong advocacy skills in a moot court setting.

In the afternoon guest lecture, Mr  Stigelbauer addressed significant issues surrounding the determination of governing laws for arbitration agreements, focusing on the recent Supreme Court case UniCredit Bank GmbH v RusChemAlliance LLC [2024] UKSC 30. The event was successful, with students actively engaging and exchanging thought-provoking ideas!

November 1^st , 2024

Seminar on The Limits of Court Intervention in International Commercial Arbitration

On November 1^st , the Durham International Dispute Resolution Institute (DIDRI) invited Mr Jeffrey Elkinson to share his extensive expertise and practical knowledge on court interventions in international commercial arbitration and its practical limitations. Mr Elkinson is an active counsel, arbitrator, and mediator in domestic and international disputes. The event was hosted by Dr Can Eken, an assistant professor at Durham Law School (DLS). He is an international lawyer, arbitrator and judge.

October 2^nd  , 2024

Panel Discussion on Expedited International Arbitration

On October 2^nd, Durham International Dispute Resolution Institute (DIDRI) held a panel on ‘Expedited International Arbitration’, whereby we invited distinguished speakers including Alan M. Anderson, James Clanchy, Tariq Mahmood, and Dr Can Eken discussed various aspects of expedited arbitration rules in international arbitration.
 
The panel was moderated by Dr. Ronán Feehily, co-director of DIDRI; the dean of the Durham Law School (DLS) gave a closing speech at the end of the panel followed by a reception for further engagement between the audience and speakers.

September 2^nd – 10^th, 2024

DIDRI’s Summer Executive Programme with Renmin Law School and Yingke Law Firm

From September 2^nd to 10^th, the Durham International Dispute Resolution Institute (DIDRI) organised a successful Summer Executive Programme for students from Renmin Law School and Yingke Law Firm. Durham Law School Dean Volker Röben, Professor Lei Chen, and Professor Shaun D. Pattinson warmly welcomed the participants. Throughout the programme, Professor Lei Chen, Professor Ronán Feehily, and Dr Can EKEN delivered engaging and insightful courses, equipping the participants with valuable knowledge and skills in international dispute resolution.

As part of the programme, Professor Lei Chen accompanied the students and lawyers to visit the London offices of several prestigious international law firms. They were warmly received by Sohail Ali and his team at DLA Piper, Emily Monastiriotis and her team at Simmons & Simmons, and Christian Leathley and their team at Herbert Smith Freehills.