Prof. Christopher Lau on The tales of the Tribunal
An Arbitrator’s Perspective on the Constitution of the Tribunal and Decision-making
Professor Christopher Lau delivered an engaging and thought-provoking lecture on the constitution and decision-making of arbitral tribunals, titled “The Tales of the Tribunal.” Rather than adopting a one-way presentation, Professor Lau used an interactive question-and-answer format to guide the discussion. This approach encouraged students to think critically about real challenges faced by arbitrators, such as balancing independence and efficiency, managing cultural differences between common law and civil law traditions, and handling disagreements among tribunal members.
Through dialogue with the audience, Professor Lau transformed abstract procedural principles into vivid practical insights. Participants were invited to analyze hypothetical situations and to reflect on how a tribunal reaches consensus or deals with dissenting opinions. This interactive method not only deepened students’ understanding of arbitral reasoning and ethics but also made the classroom atmosphere lively and intellectually stimulating.
Students found the session highly rewarding. Many remarked that the Q&A structure helped them bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining a clearer sense of how arbitrators deliberate, negotiate, and build trust within the tribunal. The discussion also enhanced their appreciation of the human dimensions of arbitration, the importance of communication, respect, and cultural sensitivity in achieving fair and credible awards. Overall, the lecture provided both knowledge and inspiration for those aspiring to work in international arbitration.
- Zejing Wu, IDR LL.M. Candidate, Class of 2025/2026