The "Investment" Debate: An Expert Discussion on the Boundaries of "Investment" in the Context of Investor-State Arbitrations
Please join our speakers, Ali Gursel, managing partner of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP in Istanbul and Ashgabat, and Martin Valasek, partner in the Montreal office of Norton Rose OR LLP, for a lively discussion on the general legal framework pertaining to the resolution of investor-state disputes, and on what constitutes an investment for the purposes of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and bilateral investment treaties.
The speakers will focus on specific cases giving rise to differing approaches to defining an investment, drawing upon examples from their rich international practice.
This discussion will be moderated by Professor Fabien Gélinas.
A cocktail reception will follow. RSVP: mcgill [at] arbitrationsociety.ca.
This event has been accredited by the Barreau du Québec for 1.5 hours of continuing legal education. Activity no. 10044566.
Speakers
Martin Valasek, a partner in the Montreal office of Norton Rose OR LLP, is a leading practitioner in the area of international arbitration and regularly acts as lead counsel in investor-state and commercial contract disputes. Mr. Valasek has acted in numerous international arbitrations, covering a wide range of legal systems and industries, including aerospace, airport development, banking, construction, mining, energy, environmental remediation, pharmaceuticals, IT outsourcing, lotteries and steel manufacturing. He has extensive experience with arbitrations conducted under the ICC, LCIA, ICSID and UNCITRAL Rules. He also sits as arbitrator, and has acted as tribunal secretary in several important arbitrations, including the Yukos Energy Charter Treaty arbitration. Mr. Valasek is a frequent speaker, lecturer and contributor to various publications in his areas of expertise. He was recently named to Global Arbitration Review's "45 under 45" list of leading young members of the international arbitration bar.
Ali Gursel is the managing partner of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP in Istanbul and Ashgabat, and a partner in the firm's International Arbitration, Corporate and Finance groups. Mr. Gursel has represented foreign sovereigns in state-investor related international arbitrations in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North and Central America, focusing on projects in the oil and gas industry. His international arbitration experience includes representation of states in ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL disputes.
Organized by the McGill Arbitration Society.