The Chairperson of CIArb, Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, who noted that foreign investment was critical to Nigeria’s economic revival, however said arbitrators, by their conduct, could either encourage or discourage foreign investors. She, therefore, called on arbitrators to always conduct themselves in line with international best practices during arbitral proceedings. Rhodes-Vivour made the call at the inaugural CIArb Arbitration Workshop Series, with the theme, “Conduct of counsel in international arbitration,” held last Wednesday in Lagos. According to her, the level of Nigeria’s acceptance as a place of arbitration should be one of the indices for measuring the country’s economic development. She said, “Nigeria is now in a recession and each and every one of us in partnership with the government has a role to play in our economic development and survival and exit strategies during this period. “Arbitration and alternative dispute resolution activities, as well as Nigeria’s perception as a place where disputes are effectively and expeditiously resolved outside the court system, can attract foreign investment. “Therefore, counsel in arbitration proceedings need to be aware and practice within globally accepted standards.” The guest speaker at the workshop, Mr. Tunde Fagbohunlu (SAN), stressed the need for counsel to strike a balance between their clients’ interests and the need to comply with ethical standards. The senior advocate took his listeners through the processes of drafting the arbitration clause in agreements, how to write the witness statement, how to prepare for hearing and cross examination, among others. He differentiated between various cultures and the need to be aware of the culture from which the arbitrator is being chosen, adding that an arbitrator’s background and personality should be considered in case preparation. Fagbohunlu highlighted some arbitration instruments that arbitrators must be familiar with to include the IBA Guidelines on Party Representation in International Arbitration, the ICC Guidelines on Conflict Disclosure by Arbitrators and the LCIA Guidelines for Parties Legal Representatives. Participants were also exposed to the peculiarities of international arbitration proceedings, as well as common pitfalls to avoid and case preparation strategies. Source: Punch]]>