Avoiding a Pyrrhic Victory: Enforcing Awards and Judgments in the UK and US

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Avoiding a Pyrrhic Victory: Enforcing Awards and Judgments in the UK and US

On 1 November, WHLS was pleased to collaborate with the American Bar Association (ABA) for this hybrid event on cross-border enforcement of litigation judgments and arbitration awards focusing on the UK and USA.

This seminar was kindly hosted in person by Quadrant Chambers and was followed by a networking reception for members and guests. Over 120 American colleagues joined the online program as well, providing unique exposure for WHLS’s work across the US.

The expert panellists for the event were:

Armeen Mistry Shroff, Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP (Detroit)

Russell Strong, Greenwoods Legal LLP (London)

Paul Toms, Quadrant Chambers (London)

Wendy K. Venoit, Cozen O’Conner (Boston)

As Immediate Past President of WHLS - and a disputes lawyer focusing on cross-border litigation and arbitration - I had the pleasure of moderating the discussion.

The aim of the seminar was to provide insights for practitioners to consider at the outset of a dispute to ensure that time and costs were not wasted on a pyrrhic victory. The panelists provided a breakdown of how litigation judgments and arbitration awards were respectively treated on both sides of the Atlantic. The focus then shifted to practicalities such as forum shopping, enforceability and the grounds for an appeal.

Although the topic was of considerable heft, the panelists provided a thorough run through of significant case law developments as well as practical tips on avoiding disputes at the outset of commercial dealings.

The conversation continued following the seminar with a reception in the impressive surroundings of Quadrant Chamber’s library. It was an excellent chance to meet WHLS members and fellow practitioners in a more relaxed environment.

Although non-ABA members were charged $150 to attend the event, WHLS members could attend in person for free. The recording of the seminar is also due to be circulated to our members following its release from the ABA (hopefully by the date of this publication!).

The WHLS International Committee is looking forward to hosting further events with the ABA in the future as well as similar crossborder seminars with our ever-growing number of twinned bar associations. Through such engagements, the Society builds a platform for collaboration and enables members to showcase their expertise on the world stage. I hope to see you at another of our events soon.

Matthew Allan

Immediate Past President of WHLS

Vice Chair, International Committee