International Law Institute: 2019 International Investment Treaties and Investor-State Arbitration

The use of investment treaties – including bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) - has exploded in recent years. Almost 3000 such treaties are in effect. Foreign investors have used BITs to initiate hundreds of international arbitration disputes against host governments with amounts ranging from a few million to several billion dollars in connection with foreign investments. This seminar teaches participants about international investment treaties and also how to prevent and resolve disputes arising from them. Additionally, it includes advanced instruction in how and when international arbitration proceedings are initiated against nations that violate international treaties.

Partner Ian Laird will be co-teaching other professionals, such as international investors (whether companies or individuals), as well as government officials about bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and investment chapters of free trade agreements, and how to work with them to resolve international disputes, including the valuation of damages and enforcement of arbitral awards.