Alexander Lecture 2020: The future of dispute resolution
Event Information
About this event
*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
Terms and conditions* where/when applicable
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).
Force majeure - in the event of any act of God, acts of government, fire, storm, flood, earthquake, explosion, accident, act of war, invasion, enemy acts, rebellion, insurrection, sabotage, hostilities (whether declared or not), riot, civil war, civil commotion, public demonstration, terrorist act, epidemic and quarantine restriction, tempest or any other circumstances (whether or not of a similar nature to any of the foregoing) beyond the reasonable control of either party (a “Force Majeure Event”), which causes cessation of or substantial interference with the Institute's day-to-day activities, the Institute shall be deemed not to be in breach of any contractual arrangement or otherwise liable to any other party in any manner whatsoever for any failure or delay in performing its obligations thereunder.
*Insurance - attendance of the Conference is at own risk. In no event shall the Event Organisers be liable for death, injury, any loss, cost or expense suffered by any person. In particular, they are not liable for losses arising from the provision or non-provision of services provided by hotel companies or transport operators. Nor are they liable for losses suffered by technical, mechanical or electrical breakdown within any premises visited by delegates and/or partners in connection with the Event. It is strongly recommended that all delegates take out personal travel and medical insurance prior to attending the event.
*Photography and recording - please note that for marketing purposes, CIArb may carry out photography and videorecording during the event. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken (or be videorecorded), please email events@ciarb.org at least three working days prior to the event.
*Special requirements - for any special assistance or dietary requirements please email events@ciarb.org at least five working days prior to the event.
Data collection and storage - after registration, we will store your information and will occasionally email you CIArb-related news and updates. If you do not wish for us to do this, please email events@ciarb.org.
*Delegate list and Data Protection - a delegate list will be produced and shall be provided to selected event sponsors. The delegate list will only consist of delegates' names. By registering to the event 'Alexander Lecture 2020: The future of dispute resolution', participants agree that the event organisers may include their names in the event's delegate list. If you would like to opt out, please email events@ciarb.org.
*Eventbrite Terms of Service - please refer to the online platform's terms of service for more information.