Energy arbitration professionals gathered in Houston in January for the 13th ITA-IEL-ICC Joint Conference on International Energy Arbitration, a collaborative effort between the Institute for Transnational Arbitration (ITA), the Institute for Energy Law (IEL), and the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The event provided a forum for candid discussions on industry trends, legal developments, and the future of dispute resolution in the energy sector.
Key Themes and Discussions
The conference featured a series of structured presentations and expert-led discussions, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities. The event opened with the Young Lawyers Roundtable, giving early-career practitioners a chance to engage with senior professionals on negotiation strategies and the evolving landscape of energy arbitration.
A key session on emerging energy technologies addressed the legal and regulatory complexities surrounding carbon capture, renewable natural gas, and green hydrogen—topics that continue to shape the arbitration field.
Photo: Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (ICC Arbitration), who was interviewed by Michael McIlwrath of MDisputes as part of the ITA Academic Council’s series, Preserving Perspectives: International Arbitrators in Their Own Words.
Photo: Panelists discuss key arbitration trends at the ITA Americas Initiative panel during the Latin America Roundtable at the 13th ITA-IEL-ICC Joint Conference on International Energy Arbitration.
Throughout the event, industry leaders explored topics such as construction disputes in energy projects, enforcement of arbitration awards, and the evolving role of ESG in international arbitration. The Year in Review session distilled key arbitration developments from 2024, providing attendees with a concise analysis of the year’s most impactful cases and trends. A thought-provoking discussion on stabilization clauses examined their continued relevance in an evolving regulatory landscape.
Photo: Moderator Rhianna H. Hoover (Debevoise & Plimpton) leads a dynamic discussion with panelists Brandon Caire (Air Liquide), Sylvia Leyva Martinez (Wood Mackenzie), and Tan Pham (TotalEnergies) on whether new energy technologies require new rules for dispute resolution.
One conference highlight was the renewal of ITA’s collaboration with Wolters Kluwer: International Arbitration & Mediation, a leading global resource for arbitration research. The agreement reaffirms ITA’s commitment to providing the arbitration community with cutting-edge research, resources, and thought leadership.
Photo: ITA renews its collaboration with Wolters Kluwer: International Arbitration & Mediation, as Thomas (T.L.) Cubbage (pictured right), David Bartolone, and Professor Chip Brower sign the agreement, reinforcing their commitment to advancing arbitration research and practice.
Looking Ahead
More than just a gathering of legal experts, this year’s conference underscored the broader impact of arbitration on global energy markets. As energy transitions and geopolitical shifts introduce new challenges, forums like these ensure that practitioners remain prepared to navigate the complexities ahead.
At its core, this event echoed CAIL’s overarching mission—to foster knowledge, ethical leadership, and encourage innovation in law to advance the justice system and promote the rule of law. The conversations held in Houston will undoubtedly shape the future of energy arbitration, reinforcing the role of legal professionals in building a more just and stable global framework.
Photo: Attendees engage in lively discussions and build connections during the networking session at the 13th ITA-IEL-ICC Joint Conference on International Energy Arbitration in Houston.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, faculty, and our sponsors for their invaluable contributions in making this event a success.