Business Skills Institute | Corporate Counsel University

Dechert will be presenting two panels at the upcoming ACC Greater Philadelphia Business Skills Institute / Corporate Counsel University event. The two sessions will cover "'BlockChains' and 'Bitcoins'" and "Choosing Arbitration and International Arbitration for the Resolution of Business Disputes."

"BlockChains" and "Bitcoins"

You hear the terms, but do you know what they mean? This program discusses the fundamentals of BlockChains – is there more than one? – and virtual currencies, including bitcoins. Speakers will discuss the developing regulation of these products under securities, commodities and banking regulations. We also will explore various uses of cryptocurrency, including through initial coin offerings.

Panelists: K. Susan Grafton, Partner - Financial Services Group, Dechert LLP; Charles Allen, Blockchain Technology Consumer Solutions, Inc.

Choosing Arbitration and International Arbitration for the Resolution of Business Disputes

Many companies choose domestic arbitration over litigation in the belief that arbitration provides benefits over litigation, such as confidentiality, adjudicators with specialized expertise, and (in theory) faster and less expensive proceedings. As business becomes increasingly global, many companies choose international arbitration for similar reasons – but also to avoid the domestic courts of their business partners, and because arbitral awards are easier to enforce abroad than domestic judgments. This panel will discuss how best to ensure that the goals for which parties choose arbitration are actually achieved. We will discuss the pros and cons of arbitration versus litigation (including situations where litigation may be preferable), and also discuss the types of industries and transactions for which arbitration is especially well-suited. We will also provide tips on how to plan and manage arbitration to promote a more expeditious and cost-effective procedure (including in drafting arbitration clauses). In addition to addressing the significant differences between litigation and arbitration, we will also review the key differences between domestic arbitration and international arbitration.

Panelists: Alexandre de Gramont, Partner - International Arbitration Group, Dechert LLP; Hon. Jane Cutler Greenspan (Ret.), JAMS; Dave Bell, Vice President and Senior Counsel, Marriott International, Inc.; In-house Panelist: TBD

For more information or to register, please visit the event website.