On 18 May 2017, the Australian Disputes Centre (‘ADC’) had the pleasure of hearing a seminar run by Max Kimber SC, Barrister at State Chambers. With more than 30 years dispute resolution experience in work-related matters, the Alternate Dispute Resolution (‘ADR’) specialist discussed the crucial role of lawyers in the education and facilitation of mediation. In criticising the adversarial approach adopted too often by lawyers in mediation processes, he notes that the promise of mediation given to clients falls regrettably [...]

Introduction In a recent decision under Rule 41(5) of the Arbitration Rules of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), an insolvent Italian company's claims against the Italian Republic (Italy or the State) under the Energy Charter Treaty (the ECT) were found not to be "manifestly without legal merit".1 While the Tribunal's decision is the product of a summary process in which a very high standard of proof applies, and does not therefore amount to a final analysis [...]