*About the Alexander Lecture*

The Alexander Lecture was founded in recognition of the contribution of Mr John Russell Willis Alexander (1897 - 1985) to the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He served for 40 years as a member of Council and was elected President of the Institute of Arbitrators, as it was named at the time, for the period 1952 - 1955. This meeting is considered one of the most respected events in the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) calendar.

*The 46th Alexander Lecture*

This year's lecture is entitled 'The future of dispute resolution' and will be delivered by Professor Richard Susskind OBE.

Our public and private systems for dispute resolution are under unprecedented strain. In overcoming the challenges arising from COVID-19 and in seeking to make dispute resolution more accessible, a new mindset is needed. In a digital age, it is time now to look at ways not simply of automating our current practices but of using the power of emerging technologies to transform our systems for resolving disputes. During the COVID-19 crisis, many hearings have been conducted remotely. Although many lawyers, judges and arbitrators regard video hearings as the end-game, we are instead at the foothills of much more ambitious ways of settling our legal differences. As our machines become increasingly capable, often taking on tasks that previously were regarded as the exclusive province of human beings, thought is now being given to the application of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and asynchronous processes in courts, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. There are many objections to these innovations but none that withstands detailed and well-intentioned scrutiny. While a shift towards technology-enabled dispute resolution will threaten old jobs it will also create new opportunities.

Programme (subject to change):

6.00pm - Welcome address and introduction, by Francis Xavier SC PBM C.Arb FCIArb, CIArb President

6.05pm - Alexander Lecture, by Professor Richard Susskind OBE

6.50pm - Q&A session

7.10pm - Closing remarks, by Catherine Dixon, CIArb Director General

For more information please visit the CIArb website.

*** Please kindly note that this is now an online event. Further details on how to join the event will be shared to delegates once registered. If you have any questions please contact events@ciarb.org. ***

FAQs

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The organisers may at any time, with or without giving notice, in their absolute discretion and without giving any reason, cancel or postpone the conference, change its venue or any of the other published particulars, or withdraw any invitation to attend. In any case, neither the organisers nor any of their officers, employees, agents, members or representatives shall be liable for any loss, liability, damage or expense suffered or incurred by any person, nor will they return any money paid to them in connection with the event unless they are satisfied not only that the money in question remains under their control but also that the person who paid it has been unfairly prejudiced (as to which, decision shall be in their sole and unfettered discretion and, when announced, final and conclusive).

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