The Young International Arbitration Practitioners of New York has launched!

In September 2015, young arbitration specialists based in New York City gathered for the inaugural meeting of the Young International Arbitration Practitioners of New York (YIAP-NY). Initiated by Herbert Smith Freehills New York LLP, YIAP-NY's current membership has 48 members, representing a diverse cross-section of New York's international arbitration community. Among YIAP-NY's membership are practitioners from 18 law firms, as well as arbitration specialists from arbitral institutions and scholars.

Liang-Ying Tan, co-Chair of YIAP-NY (along with Jessica Cameron), says, "YIAP-NY is a discussion group for international arbitration specialists under the age of 40 who are based in New York City. We host monthly meetings to give young practitioners the chance to get to know each other, as well as to learn about current issues in arbitration and share knowledge. This group will also give younger practitioners the opportunity to speak on particular topics of interest—in fact, the presenters at the first two events are both YIAP-NY members."

YIAP-NY's meetings are held under the Chatham House Rule. Each meeting focuses on a different practice-oriented subject, and will occasionally feature guest speakers. Marek Krasula, Deputy Counsel at SICANA Inc./International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, was the speaker at YIAP-NY's inaugural meeting. In October, the speaker was Aaron Simowitz, who teaches Transnational Litigation and Arbitration at New York University and Columbia Law Schools.

Jessica Cameron adds, "There is definitely a great deal of enthusiasm for a young arbitration practitioners' group in New York City, with membership reaching almost 50 practitioners in the first two months of the organization's launch. New York already has the well-established International Arbitration Club of New York, and we hope that YIAP-NY will play a complementary role in providing a discussion forum for younger practitioners."

Liang-Ying Tan and Jessica Cameron are both Associates in Herbert Smith Freehills' international arbitration group in New York. Herbert Smith Freehills' attorneys in New York have wide experience dealing with complex international disputes related to a variety of industries, including energy, construction, oil and gas, around the world, with particular focus on Latin America. The practice group also has diverse language capabilities including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Mandarin and Arabic.

For more information, please contact Liang-Ying Tan, Associate, or Jessica Cameron, Associate or your usual Herbert Smith Freehills contact.