In international contracts, parties seek above all predictability and effective control of risk. One of the most powerful contractual mechanisms to achieve both objectives is to include a pre-agreed damages clause, commonly referred to as a liquidated damages or penalty clause. Such provisions fix in advance the sum payable where a party fails to perform […]
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International Arbitration in Qatar
Arbitration in Qatar has undergone substantial modernisation in recent years, helping to establish the country as a leading regional centre for commercial dispute resolution. This note explores the following aspects of Qatari arbitration: (1) its modern legal framework; (2) the main arbitration institutions based in Qatar; (3) recent arbitration-related case law from the Qatari courts; […]
Delay Claims in International Arbitration
Delay claims are among the most common and contentious issues in international construction arbitration. Whether the project involves an industrial facility, a power plant, an infrastructure network, a data centre, or a residential complex, the reality is familiar to anyone in the industry: projects often take longer than expected.[1] When delays have significant financial consequences, […]
UNCITRAL Arbitration Costs
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (“UNCITRAL”) is the central body within the United Nations system responsible for modernising and harmonising international trade law.[1] Although widely used in investment and commercial disputes, it is not an arbitral institution.[2] Instead, parties use the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules in ad hoc arbitration proceedings or in proceedings […]
William Kirtley Speaks in Istanbul on How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping International Arbitration
Aceris Law is pleased to announce that international arbitration lawyer William Kirtley spoke in Istanbul at a conference celebrating the merger of Özcan Legal and Fırat Gültekin & Partners, creating a new firm in Türkiye focusing on commercial and investment arbitration. The event gathered leading practitioners from Türkiye and abroad to discuss cutting-edge developments in […]
Comparing Model Arbitration Clauses: ICC vs. LCIA vs. SIAC
When negotiating contracts, especially those involving cross-border transactions, determining the method for resolving future disputes is critical. Generally, it is a safe and recommended approach to adopt a model arbitration clause provided by well-established arbitral institutions. The International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”), the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”), and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre […]
Emergency Arbitration Costs
Emergency arbitration has become a vital tool for commercial parties needing swift interim relief before a full arbitral tribunal is constituted. Yet one aspect often overlooked with regard to emergency arbitration is cost. Parties tend to focus on urgency and strategy, overlooking the financial implications of launching emergency proceedings. Understanding emergency arbitration costs is not […]
Costs of Construction Arbitration
Construction projects are inherently complex. They often bring together multiple parties, detailed contractual frameworks, and technically challenging issues that can lead to high-value disputes.[1] In the construction industry, arbitration is frequently chosen for its neutrality, flexibility, and enforceability across jurisdictions. However, the costs of construction arbitration can be substantial and at times unpredictable, occasionally rivaling […]
Ad Hoc Arbitration
In international commercial disputes, ad hoc arbitration offers a flexible alternative to institutional proceedings. It is a process conducted without the administration of a permanent arbitral institution,[1] giving parties greater control over how their dispute will be managed. This model is often chosen by users who prioritise autonomy, procedural efficiency, and the ability to tailor […]








