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Newsletter / April 2024

Case Law Digestion Series

Republic of Sierra Leone v SL Mining Ltd: Key Developments in the Sierra Leone Mining Licence Dispute

In the Sierra Leone mining licence dispute, significant developments have taken place regarding the suspension and cancellation of a large-scale mining licence and licence agreement granted to SL Mining Ltd (SL) by the government. This post highlights key rulings and issues that have emerged throughout the dispute.

Ruling on Jurisdiction Challenge

On 2 February 2021, the government of Sierra Leone's challenge to the jurisdiction of the arbitrators was dismissed under Section 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (Sierra Leone v SL Mining Ltd [2021] EWHC 286 (Comm) 2021 WL 00536678). The dispute centered around SL Mining Ltd's claims and the government's actions regarding the mining licence.

Application for Indemnity Costs

Subsequently, on 16 April 2021, SL Mining Ltd pursued an application for indemnity costs against the Republic of Sierra Leone following Sierra Leone's discontinuance of its second challenge under Section 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (The Republic of Sierra Leone v SL Mining Limited [2021] EWHC 929 (Comm)). This application was based on Sierra Leone’s reliance on a foreign act of state doctrine after the dismissal of its initial challenge.

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Events & Seminars

English Law Day in Istanbul

Belgravia Law newsletter (April 2024) — Events & Seminars. English Law Day in Istanbul

We are delighted to announce that the highly anticipated English Law Day took place in Istanbul on 17 April 2024, against the backdrop of the captivating view of the Bosphorus.

Organised by the Eurasian Legal Professionals’ Forum, in collaboration with The Bar Council of England & Wales, this conference brought together legal professionals from all over the world.

The event kicked off with a video greeting from Sam Townend KC, Chairman of the Bar Council. Mr Townend emphasised the flexibility of English commercial law and highlighted the advantages of England & Wales as a key jurisdiction for litigation and arbitration.

A strong contingent of Belgravia Law team members, including Shantanu Majumdar KC, Ceyda Ilgen and Benjamin Wells had the pleasure of attending and speaking at the conference.

Throughout the conference, esteemed speakers delved into a wide range of topics that hold specific relevance to the ever-evolving landscape of arbitration in Europe and Asia. Engaging discussions covered emerging trends, recent case studies and best practices in arbitration.

The conference also served as a platform for networking, enabling participants to expand their knowledge and establish new connections within the international legal community.

We extend our appreciation to all of the speakers for their presentations and to the participants for their active engagement. Please stay tuned for further updates and developments.

Events & Seminars

Belgravia Law at Istanbul Arbitration Days

Belgravia Law newsletter (April 2024) — Events & Seminars. Belgravia Law at Istanbul Arbitration Days

Belgravia Law had the privilege of participating in the İstanbul Arbitration Days between 18-19 April 2024, at the prestigious Çırağan Palace Kempinski. The event served as a platform to bring together esteemed panelists who shared valuable insights and expertise on the latest developments in the field of arbitration.

The side events organised during the conference were equally impressive, held at wonderful venues that added to the overall experience.

One notable highlight was Belgravia Law’s attendance at the opening reception of the event, held at the historic Pera Palace Hotel. This iconic hotel holds a special place in history as it welcomed Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the visionary founder of the Republic of Türkiye.

Additionally, renowned crime novelist Agatha Christie found inspiration within the hotel’s walls, authoring her famous novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ during her stays. Room 411 has been dedicated in her honor.

The hotel’s legacy also includes the stays of other notable figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Greta Garbo. The elegance and cultural significance of the Pera Palace Hotel made the event truly captivating.

Another memorable occasion was the GC reception at Yerebatan Sarnıcı, also known as the Basilica Cistern, a hidden treasure which takes you back in time, being the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lay hidden beneath Istanbul. Located 150 metres southwest of the Hagia Sophia it was built in the 6th century during the reign of Justinian the First. Its magnificent architecture, adorned with majestic columns and tranquil waters, creates an atmosphere of enchantment and wonder. The unique and historical features of Yerebatan Sarnıcı made for an exceptional evening.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the organisers for their exceptional efforts in bringing together such a remarkable run of events and allowing us to be a part of it.

Announcement: English Law Day in Belgrade

Belgravia Law is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming English Law Day, scheduled to take place in Belgrade on 12 June 2024. This event provides a unique opportunity for legal professionals to meet and engage in meaningful discussions.

12 June 2024

English Law Day in Belgrade

Register
Belgrade, Serbia

The English Law Day conferences are organised by the Eurasian Legal Professionals’ Forum in collaboration with the Bar Council of England & Wales, aimed at fostering professional connections among lawyers in Eurasia.

Each conference serves as a platform for open discussions on significant cross-border issues that arise in international practice, as well as an opportunity to exchange information on emerging concepts in the legal industry.

The conference will touch on a number of key themes, including:

  1. Sanctions and their impact on transport, trade, transactions and the disputes which arise from them;

  2. Investor state and international commercial arbitration in Serbia and further afield;

  3. Dispute resolution, awards and their enforcement through innovative investigations and funding;

  4. Combating corruption and fraud through the use of international legal mechanisms.

Following the latest success of the English Law Day in Istanbul, we eagerly anticipate participating in this remarkable gathering together of legal minds from diverse jurisdictions in Serbia. It promises to be an enriching and insightful event for all attendees.

We are particularly excited about the opportunity to connect with fellow legal professionals who will be attending the English Law Day in Belgrade.

FAQs Series

What are the Top International Arbitration Institutions?

Key Questions and Answers on Most Popular International Arbitration Institutions

In today’s era of alternative dispute resolution, various institutions have emerged globally to provide specialised arbitration services. These institutions bring their expertise in managing and facilitating arbitration processes, ensuring fair and efficient resolutions for commercial disputes.

In this blog post, we will delve into some of the prominent international arbitration institutions, their significance, and unique characteristics, through a series of questions and answers.

Why are these institutions significant?

These institutions hold significant importance as they meet the global demand for arbitration services. With their expertise, experience, and established procedures, they instill confidence in parties involved in commercial disputes. These institutions provide a neutral and structured environment for resolving conflicts, ensuring impartiality and efficiency.

What are the most preminent arbitration centres worldwide, their characteristics and importance?

There are several highly regarded arbitration institutions worldwide, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most prominent international arbitration centres, their positions and importance:

International Chamber of Commerce International Court of Arbitration (ICC)
London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA)
Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)
Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
American Arbitration Association (AAA) and International Center for Dispute Resolution (ICDR)
Swiss Chamber's Arbitration Institution (SCAI)
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC)
German Institution of Arbitration (DIS)
Istanbul Arbitration Centre (ISTAC)

Conclusion

In this blog post, we highlighted some of the most prominent arbitration institutions worldwide through question and answer series by emphasising their background, characteristics, and importance.

We are pleased to note that as Belgravia Law, we currently have active cases with prominent international centres, including the International Chamber of Commerce International Court of Arbitration (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) and Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC). This demonstrates our commitment to working with esteemed institutions and our dedication to providing exceptional arbitration services to our clients.

Beyond Law

How to Make Successful Business-to-Business Meetings: Seven Practical Suggestions

At Belgravia Law, we understand the significance of effective business-to-business (B2B) meetings in fostering mutually beneficial relationships and achieving your professional goals. Meetings that are properly organised can help keep colleagues’ attention and promote collaborative brainstorming opportunities to maximise the potential of every interaction.

In this edition of our newsletter, we aim to provide 7 practical tips and insights on how to conduct effective B2B meetings.

1. Research, Research, Research:

Thoroughly researching the company or professional you are meeting with is significant. Familiarise yourself with their business model, industry trends, recent news and any relevant legal issues. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment and enable you to tailor your approach accordingly. Being well-informed positions you as a valuable resource and helps build credibility during the meeting.

2. Define Your Objectives:

Clearly define your objectives for the meeting. Are you seeking new partnerships, negotiating contracts, or exploring potential collaborations? Defining your meeting objectives allows you to prioritise and allocate time and resources appropriately, ensuring that the meeting remains purposeful and productive. By setting specific goals, you can effectively communicate your intentions to all participants, align expectations, and work towards achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

3. Prepare an Elevator Pitch:

An elevator pitch is a concise and impactful introduction that effectively communicates who you are, what your law firm specialises in, and how your services can add value to the potential client's business. It should be brief enough to deliver within the span of an elevator ride, yet powerful enough to leave a lasting impression. Craft a concise and compelling elevator pitch that clearly communicates with participants. Practice it until it becomes second nature, allowing you to confidently present your firm’s unique selling points.

4. Anticipate Questions and Objections:

Put yourself in the shoes of the other party and anticipate the questions, concerns, or objections they might raise during the meeting. By taking a proactive approach and considering their perspective, you can prepare well-thought-out responses that address their needs and showcase your expertise. This level of preparation will not only instill confidence in the potential client but also enable you to navigate the conversation smoothly and build trust.

5. Prepare and Share Agendas:

Share a detailed agenda well in advance of the meeting. Include the topics to be discussed, time allocations for each item, and any pre-reading materials. This allows participants to come prepared and ensures that the meeting stays on track. Begin and end meetings on time to demonstrate respect for everyone's schedules. Allocate specific time slots for each agenda item and encourage participants to stick to the allocated time. This ensures that all important topics are covered within the meeting's timeframe.

6. Dress Professionally:

Dress appropriately for the meeting, considering the industry and cultural context. Aim for a professional appearance that reflects your law firm's brand and instills confidence in your potential clients. It will be also helpful for setting a positive tone during the meetings.

7. Practice Active Listening:

During the meeting, practice active listening to demonstrate genuine interest and foster meaningful engagement. Create a welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and suggestions. By attentively listening and being present in the conversation, you can tailor your responses and solutions effectively. Encourage active participation from all attendees to ensure a collaborative and inclusive discussion. Consider implementing techniques like round-robin discussions or designated speaking turns to ensure that everyone's input is heard and valued.

Staying in Touch

For all enquiries please write to: contact@belgravia.law.

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BELGRAVIA LAW LIMITED is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 8004056 and is a limited company registered in England & Wales with company number 14815978. The firm’s registered office is at 2 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BJ.

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