How We Work
IAA provides independent Pressure Testing across the architecture of international arbitration. Engagements focus on specific decisions, positions, or strategies that require scrutiny before they are put into use.
Arbitration Strategy
Independent strategic advice on case theory, presentation, and overall approach — from the earliest stages of a dispute through hearing and award. Counsel and clients benefit from an outside perspective that is not bound by the assumptions of the immediate case team.
Arbitrator and Tribunal Selection
Informed, independent advice on the selection of arbitrators and the composition of tribunals in ICC, ICSID, LCIA, ICDR, UNCITRAL and ad hoc proceedings. Drawing on extensive experience across institutions and jurisdictions.
Independent Case Assessment and Second Opinions
Objective assessment of the merits, risks, and strategic options in a pending or prospective arbitration. Particularly valuable where a fresh perspective — outside the existing advisory structure — is needed before a consequential decision.
International Commercial Arbitration
Strategic advisory for commercial disputes arising from cross-border contracts, joint ventures, M&A transactions, and other international commercial relationships, across all major arbitral institutions and governing laws.
Investor-State and Treaty Arbitration
Advisory on investment arbitration under bilateral and multilateral investment treaties, including ICSID Convention proceedings and UNCITRAL rules. Experience advising both investors and states on strategy, jurisdiction, and merits.
Risk, Settlement and Procedural Strategy
Candid, independent assessment of risk and settlement positioning at any stage of a proceeding. Advice on procedural strategy, bifurcation, interim measures, and the management of complex multi-party or multi-contract disputes.
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Pressure Testing
Independent scrutiny before a decision becomes difficult to reverse.
Pressure Testing is the core of what IAA does. It is the application of independent, experienced judgment to a specific decision, position, or component of an international arbitration — before it is used.
A position that has not been independently tested is a position that may fail under scrutiny — from the tribunal, from opposing counsel, or from the facts. Pressure Testing identifies the weaknesses before they are exposed.
IAA can pressure test virtually any material element of an international arbitration: case theory, legal arguments, motions, arbitrator selection, witness preparation, expert positions, damages methodology, submissions, cross-examination strategy, settlement positions, procedural decisions, or hearing strategy.
Pressure Testing engagements are focused and discrete. They do not require IAA to assume a broader advisory role, though broader engagements are available where appropriate.
Scope of Engagement
- Case theory and overall strategy
- Legal arguments and submissions
- Arbitrator selection and tribunal composition
- Witness preparation and expert positions
- Damages methodology
- Cross-examination strategy
- Settlement positions and risk assessment
- Procedural decisions and interim measures
- Hearing strategy
- Any other material decision or position
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Preliminary Conversation
Private. Confidential. No documents required.
Prospective engagements ordinarily begin with a private preliminary conversation with the founder.
The purpose is to understand, at a high level, the nature of the issue and determine whether independent strategic input may be useful.
The discussion may be conducted entirely in hypothetical or anonymized terms. There is no need at this stage to identify the parties, disclose confidential documents, or reveal privileged or commercially sensitive information.
If further involvement appears appropriate, any necessary conflict checks, confidentiality arrangements, and engagement terms can then be addressed before substantive advisory work begins.
Scope of Engagement
- Conducted personally by the founder
- No confidential documents required
- Hypothetical or anonymized terms welcomed
- Strictly private
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Advisory Engagements
Structured around the specific requirements of the matter.
Not every matter requires the same form of involvement. Some require sustained advisory input; others require Pressure Testing of a single decision, position, or component of the arbitration.
Advisory engagements are structured around the specific requirements of the matter, with scope, duration, and terms agreed at the outset.
A conversation can begin without revealing the matter.
Prospective clients may describe the issue in general, anonymized, or hypothetical terms. No confidential documents or identifying details are required at the outset.