Eight of the 55 teams participating in the Young Lawyers' Forum - Arbitration Challenge have made it through to the next round of the competition.

Teams from the branches in Ibadan, Lagos, Tola, Ilorin, Ikot Ekpene, Onitsha, Port Harcourt and Orlu will now proceed to the virtual oral rounds, taking place on April 29 and 30 respectively. The final will be held on May 15.

During these rounds participants will be tested on their oral advocacy skills by leading arbitration experts.

Adetola Adebesin, Chair of the NBA – YLF Steering Committee on Arbitration, said the competition aimed to expose young lawyers in Nigeria to the practice of international arbitration.  “Because of the effects of the pandemic (and limitations on) on physical gatherings, the oral rounds of the competition will be held virtually.

“We are privileged to have secured participation from some of the best and most notable arbitration practitioners around the world to sit as arbitrators in the oral hearings.”

A spokesperson for the law firm Banwo & Ighodalo, which is sponsoring the winner’s prize,  said they were delighted to be involved in the “maiden edition” of this national arbitration competition for young lawyers. “We recognize the value of having optimal options for quick and effective resolution of international commercial disputes and having well-skilled lawyers to drive the process. We are hopeful that the Arbitration Challenge will encourage more young lawyers to gain mastery in this area of legal practice." 

The Challenge provides an opportunity for young lawyers to learn and apply key principles in international commercial arbitration, interpret the various texts of international commercial law found in various foreign investment agreements, and consequently, hone their writing and oral advocacy skills.

The competition involves assessing a Dispute Scenario and which has to be done in the context of a set of Rules.

For more information on the Arbitration Challenge, partnership/sponsorship and support, contact the Steering Committee via email nbaylf@nigerianbar.org.ng

This article was updated on 27th April 2021

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