There’s a lot going on at CalArb – here’s a summary of some key projects:

1. California International Arbitration Week – March 13-18, 2023 – CIAW 2023 features a full week of all-day programming presented by international arbitration institutions and organizations from around the world, including AAA-ICDR, CPR, ICC, HKIAC,  JAMS, KCAB, SIAC and others  The content is unparalleled – with over 28 sessions to attend! Register if you haven’t already – all sessions are free – and attend either in person or online or both.  (Earn more than 24 hours of California MCLE including on legal ethics, elimination of bias and competence requirements.) Many of the programs will be hosted at law firms in Los Angeles – along with receptions to follow. This is a great opportunity to learn more, network with leading providers and other practitioners, and celebrate international arbitration in California.

Click here for the official CIAW registration site for full details. More information is being added to the registration site almost daily!  Many thanks to all our CIAW 2023 Planning Committee members and many others for helping to make this a great event!

2. CalArb Events – Thanks to the amazing work of our Programming Committee and Young CalArb group, CalArb has collaborated on many other California-focused international arbitration and ADR programs already this year, including programs with the California Lawyers’ Association (CLA), the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), ASU, Stanford University, Three Crowns, University of San Diego, UC Law San Francisco, Pepperdine and the Vancouver International Arbitration Centre (VanIAC).

Additional events are already on the schedule for the Spring and Summer – and the Programming Committee is coordinating with other institutions and organizations in China, Southeast Asia, India, Latin America, and Europe on other programs to introduce the world to international arbitration in California. Be sure to check out details on upcoming programs on the CalArb Events page: click here.

3. CalArb Conversations – We’ve launched our California Conversations series interviewing CalArb members. Congratulations to CalArb members Patrick Byrne and Sally Harpole who were the first two CalArb members interviewed. (Links on our Events page). We hope to interview all interested CalArb members over many months ahead – and the interviews will be posted on our YouTube channel for later viewing. Interested members are selected randomly so if you haven’t already added your name to the list, contact info@calarb.org to do so.

4. Recent Articles – Many CalArb members are authoring articles on international arbitration topics. Stay tuned for a recent Daily Journal series on international arbitration in California. Links to articles can be found on the CalArb Articles page: click here.

 5. CalArb International Arbitration & ADR Writing Competition and Award – CalArb’s International Arbitration & ADR Writing Competition Committee has invited submissions for our first writing competition and award. This competition provides an opportunity to law students and young practitioners to research and address important issues and recognizes and rewards the most exceptional written contribution.  The Competition is open to all law students and to all lawyers who have practiced for less than 10 years. The submission deadline is June 30, 2023.  Details on the CalArb site – click here.

6. CIACA – UNCITRAL Model Law updates – Thanks to a joint initiative by CalArb and the California Lawyers Association, a bill updating California’s international arbitration law (“CIACA”) was introduced in the California legislature on February 9, 2023. AB 615 is sponsored by the Chair of the Assembly’s Judiciary Committee Assemblyman Brian Maienshein. The bill updates CIACA to conform to the current UNCITRAL Model Law. California was the first US state to adopt the Model Law and remains one of the few states to have done so.  Adopting the Model Law amendments will reaffirm California’s important positioning as an international arbitration-friendly seat. Prof. Robert Lutz chaired the Working Group and CalArb Chair Daniel Kolkey was the principal drafter of the bill, along with support by CalArb members Jeff Daar, Gary Benton, Jeffrey Dasteel, Dan Alef and others. Thank you all.

7. Committee News – Many of our other committees are hard at work supporting international arbitration in California. Our Membership Committee has arranged for a discount on new and renewal CalArb general membership in celebration of CIAW 2023. Details on the CalArb Membership page – click here.  Full details on committee activities are shared in members-only communications.

8. Other opportunities for members and organizations – We’re enthusiastic about supporting law firms, corporations, providers and practitioners around the world who are interested in international arbitration and ADR in California We’d be glad to help promote programs relating to international arbitration or ADR in California hosted by your law firm or organization. Contact us.

9. CalArb Governance – The call for nominations for CalArb Board seats and officer positions is planned for mid-April. Full details to be provided to members after CIAW 2023.

10. Thanks! – On behalf of the CalArb Exec Team – Gary Benton, Dana Welch, Laura Abrahamson, Jeff Daar, Marcus Quintanilla and Giorgio Sassine – thank you to our members for your amazing work supporting international arbitration and ADR in California. We hope you’re proud of what has been accomplished – and we look forward to doing more together!

If you have any questions about CalArb or suggestions on moving us forward, reach out to us at info@calarb.org.  We look forward to hearing from you.