The Institute for Transnational Arbitration (ITA) returned to Houston for its 37th Annual Workshop and Annual Meeting, drawing global practitioners to the JW Marriott Galleria for three days of dynamic conversation, collaboration, and hands-on learning. This year’s theme, Innovation in International Arbitration: Practical Solutions for Real-World Challenges, explored how technology, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership are reshaping arbitration—from the tools we use to how we advocate, manage cases, and make decisions.
The 2025 Workshop welcomed 200 attendees from 23 countries for a robust lineup of nine sessions and workshops. Led by Workshop Co-Chairs Prof. Stavros Brekoulakis (National University of Singapore), Michael Ostrove (DLA Piper, New York), and Natalie L. Reid (Debevoise & Plimpton, New York), the event featured 49 faculty members, which included co-chairs, moderators, and panelists, with strong engagement from Young ITA members throughout the program.
The Workshop opened with a call by ITA Chair Prof. Chip Brower II to “embrace innovation with intention,” setting the tone for a program focused on practical tools and forward-thinking approaches in international arbitration. The opening panel explored the role of generative AI in enhancing clarity and procedural fairness, while a live demonstration of Kluwer Arbitration’s new AI-powered research assistant previewed how legal tech is streamlining research and decision-making.
Picture: Kiran Nasir Gore and Kluwer Arbitration demonstrated their new AI-powered research tool, the AI Arbitration Assistant, designed to revolutionize legal research in arbitration by significantly reducing the time and effort required to locate relevant information while ensuring a secure and reliable environment for legal research.
Innovation extended far beyond technology. Panels on counsel-driven advocacy highlighted tools like decision trees and evidence-in-context charts to sharpen submissions and streamline hearings. Tribunal and expert panels focused on case management, collaborative reporting, and quantum modeling—all designed to make arbitration more accessible, strategic, and efficient without sacrificing depth or fairness.
Picture: Inside the “Counsel-Driven Innovation” session at the 37th Annual ITA Workshop in Houston, featuring presentations on decision trees, chronologies, and advocacy tools led by facilitators Kevin O'Gorman and Tafadzwa Pasipanodya, with Luis Sotelo and Thomas Lane serving as rapporteurs.
A standout moment came during a personal conversation with Lucinda Low, who reflected on her path through international arbitration, including her work before the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal and her views on the evolving legitimacy of investor-state dispute settlement. Young ITA also played a prominent role throughout the event, including a roundtable on advocacy innovation and opportunities for early-career professionals to connect and collaborate. The event concluded with a hands-on AI session, giving participants a roadmap to responsibly integrate new tools into their practice.
Picture: Lucinda Low in conversation with Meg Kinnear at the 37th Annual ITA Workshop, reflecting on her career in international arbitration—from arguing before the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal to sharing advice on navigating change and embracing the journey.
The 37th Annual Workshop affirmed that innovation in international arbitration is not just a theme—it’s a shared commitment. Whether through the integration of emerging technologies, the evolution of case strategies, or the refinement of tribunal practices, the field continues to move forward with purpose and creativity.
Picture: Panelists in the “Innovation from the Perspective of Experts” session at the 37th Annual ITA Workshop shared how technology and collaboration—from document analysis tools like Relativity to co-authored expert reports—are transforming efficiency and clarity in arbitration. Moderated by Robert Landicho, with insights from Casey Ballard, Dr. Anamaria Popescu, and Tim Rooney.
Honoring a Trailblazer: Lucy Reed Receives the Pat Murphy Award
At the Advisory Board Dinner, Lucy Reed became the fourth—and first female—recipient of the Pat Murphy Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in International Arbitration. Bestowed only occasionally, the award honors exceptional contributions to both the practice and education of transnational arbitration.
Reed’s career spans public service, private practice, and academia, with more than 160 cases and a legacy of leadership across the field. As ITA Chair from 2009 to 2012, she expanded programming, launched key initiatives, and helped shape a more inclusive and strategically focused ITA.
“Lucy introduced the projects, planted the seeds, gathered the people, and brought the spirit,” said ITA Chair Chip Brower. “She helped build the ITA into the remarkable community it is today.”
Picture: Lucy Reed addresses the ITA Audience as the recipient of the Pat Murphy Award.
The entire ITA team extends a heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors, faculty, and attendees who together made the 37th Annual ITA Workshop and Annual Meeting an unforgettable event. From the experts who shared their time and insights, to the sponsors who made the experience possible, and the participants who brought curiosity, collaboration, and thoughtful questions to every session, this was a truly global gathering shaped by the energy and engagement of our community.
ITA looks forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead—and to welcoming you back for another impactful Workshop in 2026. For more information about ITA or to view upcoming programming, visit cailaw.org/ITA.
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About the Institute for Transnational Arbitration – The Institute for Transnational Arbitration (ITA) was founded in Dallas in 1986 as a division of The Center for American and International Law. ITA provides advanced education for arbitrators, advocates, judges, business executives, government officials, and other professionals concerned with transnational arbitration of commercial and investment disputes. Through its programs, scholarly publications, and membership activities, led by many of the top global experts and supported by many of the world's most actively engaged corporations, law firms, and individual practitioners, ITA has become an important global forum on contemporary issues in the field of transnational arbitration. For more information, visit www.cailaw.org/ITA.