Tales of The Tribunal

Peter Rižnik: Beyond the Traditional Arbitration Hubs — Judgment, Community & the Future of Disputes

What makes a great arbitrator? Is it experience, technical expertise, efficiency, or something harder to measure?

This week on Tales of the Tribunal, host Chris Campbell and co-host Lidia Biella welcome Peter Rižnik, an independent arbitrator based in Vienna, Austria, for a conversation about the people, principles, and professional relationships shaping international arbitration.

Originally from Slovenia, Peter's career has taken him from the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot to working as a tribunal secretary, arbitration counsel, and eventually an independent arbitrator. Today, he also serves as a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and is actively involved in developing the arbitration community across Central and Eastern Europe through ArbCEE.

Peter and Chris also share a rather unusual professional connection: they're both members of the Visterious Rockin' All Stars, the band that performs at the Vis Moot opening ceremony in Vienna!

In this episode, we explore:

1. Building an arbitration career outside the traditional hubs: Why Vienna became Peter's professional home and how Central and Eastern Europe has emerged as an increasingly important part of the international arbitration landscape.

2. The importance of judgment: With artificial intelligence transforming the legal profession, Peter explains why sound judgment, fairness, and integrity may become more valuable than ever.

3. What makes effective arbitration counsel? An arbitrator's perspective on preparation, credibility, professional courtesy, and why aggressive advocacy can sometimes undermine a party's case.

4. Is arbitration becoming too proceduralized? Why flexibility remains one of arbitration's greatest advantages, and how parties and tribunals can work together to design proceedings suited to the dispute.

5. Building a genuine professional community: The difference between collecting contacts and developing lasting relationships, and how organizations such as ArbCEE and the Vis Moot help connect practitioners across jurisdictions.

6. Life as an independent arbitrator: Peter shares his approach to case preparation, the importance of understanding the parties' submissions, and what he hopes his professional legacy will be.

7. Advice for the next generation: Why younger lawyers should worry less about making the perfect career decision and invest more deliberately in mentorship, relationships, and opportunities to contribute.

And, of course, we get to know Peter beyond the hearing room, including his love of music, performing with the Visterious Rockin' All Stars, family life, and a few literary recommendations from Slovenia.

Whether you're an arbitrator, counsel, student, or simply interested in the international disputes community, this episode offers a thoughtful and entertaining look at the profession from someone helping shape its future.

Episode Chapters

[00:00:38] — Opening Notes & Introduction

[00:03:28] — Interview Begins: Meet Peter Rižnik

[00:44:15] — Personal Interests: Books, Music & Life Beyond Arbitration

[00:54:20] — Closing Notes & Acknowledgments

 

Books, Music & References

📚 Peter's Literary Recommendation

Ivan Cankar — Slovenian Author and Playwright

Peter recommends exploring the works of Ivan Cankar, one of Slovenia's most celebrated literary figures. He discusses rediscovering Cankar's writing and the author's historical connections to Vienna.

Peter doesn't identify a particular title, so rather than attributing a specific book to him, we've included a link to explore Cankar's works.

Explore Ivan Cankar's books

And, as the father of a young daughter, Peter admits that Peppa Pig also occupies a prominent place on his family's bookshelf!

 

🎵 Peter's Music Recommendations

Iron Maiden — Peter's longtime favorite band, dating back to his teenage years. He's attended numerous concerts and remains an enthusiastic fan.

Listen to Iron Maiden

Pink Floyd — Another of Peter's favorite bands, offering a somewhat different musical experience.

Listen to Pink Floyd

Michael Jackson — Billie Jean — A particular favorite of Peter's young daughter, and apparently a reliable way to cheer her up!

Listen to Billie Jean

 

🎸 The Visterious Rockin' All Stars

Peter and Chris are fellow musicians in the Visterious Rockin' All Stars, which performs at the opening ceremony of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna.

Band Website

Peter also performs at Law Rocks events, combining his professional life with his passion for music.

Learn more about Law Rocks

Organizations & Further Reading

ArbCEE — Arbitration Association for Central and Eastern Europe

An organization dedicated to strengthening connections among arbitration practitioners, increasing regional visibility, and supporting the development of arbitration across Central and Eastern Europe.

https://arbcee.org/

ICC International Court of Arbitration

https://iccwbo.org/dispute-resolution/dispute-resolution-services/icc-international-court-of-arbitration/

Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot

https://www.vismoot.org/

Young ICCA

https://www.youngicca.org/

Moot Alumni Association

https://www.maa.net/

Special Thanks & Shout-Outs

Peter extends his appreciation to:

• The Vis Moot community, which played a formative role in his career and continues to bring together practitioners from around the world.

• His colleagues and friends throughout Central and Eastern Europe, particularly those who have contributed their time and energy to building ArbCEE and other regional initiatives.

• His wife, for her support and understanding.

• His fellow Visterious Rockin' All Stars bandmates, with a friendly reminder that everyone should already be practicing!

Peter also sends his greetings to everyone who knows him, in the spirit of a traditional Slovenian radio shout-out!

Our thanks to Peter for joining us, to Lidia for co-hosting the conversation, to Josh and Jaden for their work on the episode, and to MoBetta Productions for production support.

Stay Connected

Follow Tales of the Tribunal wherever you listen to podcasts, share this episode with a colleague, and connect with us on LinkedIn for more conversations from the world of international law, business, and dispute resolution.

There is no disputing it — you're listening to Tales of the Tribunal!

Disclaimer

None of the views shared today or any episode of Tales of the Tribunal is presented as legal advice nor advice of any kind. No compensation was provided to any person or party for their appearance on the show nor do any of the statements made represent any particular organization, legal position or view point. All interviewees appear on an arms-length basis and their appearance should not be construed as any bias or preferred affiliation with the host or host’s employer. All rights reserved.

 

Beyond the World Cup: Edna Falla-Quintanilla on FIFA, Global Business & Disputes

What does it take to manage legal affairs for the organization behind the world's biggest football tournament?

This week on Tales of the Tribunal, host Chris Campbell is joined by Edna Falla-Quintanilla, Head of Corporate Legal at FIFA, for a fascinating look behind the scenes of international football, global business, and dispute resolution.

Born in Bogotá and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, Edna's career has taken her from private practice in Colombia to the United States, where she spent 14 years at FedEx, ultimately overseeing legal matters across 48 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Today, she works at FIFA's Miami offices, navigating the corporate legal challenges of an organization whose reach extends across virtually every corner of the world.

And while football may be the organization's most visible product, Edna explains that the legal work behind the scenes involves everything from international contracting and corporate governance to commercial arbitration, litigation, employment matters, and the delivery of global sporting events.

Joining Chris for this conversation is our very own Lidia, who helps explore the challenges and opportunities of working across cultures and leading international legal teams.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. From Colombia to FIFA: How Edna's early career in litigation, her LL.M. studies in the United States, and her years at FedEx prepared her for a global leadership role in an entirely different industry.
2. Inside the World Cup: What it takes to organize the world's biggest football tournament, the legal teams working behind the scenes, and the experience of witnessing the 2026 World Cup from inside FIFA.
3. The business of football: How FIFA operates as both a global governing body and a commercial organization, and the legal complexities that come with each role.
4. Arbitration and international disputes: The distinction between sports arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the commercial disputes that arise from FIFA's international business operations.
5. Leading across cultures: Lessons from managing legal responsibilities across dozens of jurisdictions, building diverse teams, and adapting to different approaches to risk, communication, and leadership.
6. Career development and mentorship: Why Edna encourages young lawyers to take opportunities outside their comfort zones, build professional relationships before they need them, and remain open to unexpected career paths.
7. Beyond the law: Edna's love of Colombian culture, Latin American literature, music, family, and a perfect sunset in the Florida Keys.

Whether you're an arbitration practitioner, an in-house lawyer, a football fan, or simply interested in how international organizations operate, this episode offers a fascinating perspective on the people and legal work behind the beautiful game.

Episode Chapters

[00:00:45] — Opening Notes & Introduction

[00:03:29] — Interview Begins: Meet Edna Falla-Quintanilla

[00:55:48]— Beyond the Law: Mentors, Books, Music & Personal Interests

[01:11:32] — Closing Notes & Acknowledgments

Timestamps will be updated to reflect the final edited audio.

Books, Music & References

📚 Edna's Book Recommendations

One Hundred Years of Solitude — Gabriel García Márquez

A landmark of Latin American magical realism, exploring generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/search/one-hundred-years-of-solitude/

The House of the Spirits — Isabel Allende

A multigenerational novel exploring family, politics, love, and the extraordinary within everyday life.

https://www.simonandschuster.com/search/books/Title-The-House-of-the-Spirits

Edna shares that she experienced both books as audiobooks, making use of her daily commute to rediscover some of Latin America's most celebrated literature.

🎵 Edna's Music Recommendations

Edna's musical interests are as international and varied as her legal career! Growing up in Barranquilla, music has always been part of her life, and her playlist spans everything from reggaeton and Latin rock to classic British and American rock.

Some of the artists she mentions include:

• Shakira: https://open.spotify.com/search/Shakira
• Daddy Yankee: https://open.spotify.com/search/Daddy%20Yankee
• Olivia Rodrigo: https://open.spotify.com/search/Olivia%20Rodrigo
• Queen: https://open.spotify.com/search/Queen
• The Beatles: https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Beatles
• Guns N' Roses: https://open.spotify.com/search/Guns%20N%27%20Roses
• Poison: https://open.spotify.com/search/Poison

And don't forget the Latin rock of the 1980s and 1990s, another favorite of Edna's!

Learn More

FIFA — Fédération Internationale de Football Association

https://www.fifa.com/

Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

https://www.tas-cas.org/

Swiss Arbitration Centre

https://www.swissarbitration.org/

Special Thanks & Shout-Outs

Edna sends a special thank you to the colleagues and teams who have helped shape her career, including former colleagues in Colombia, Chile, and Miami, and her current team at FIFA.

Among those she mentions are Giovannesca, Rodrigo, Luis, Heidi, Anna, and Rishi, as well as her former FedEx leader Madeline Blanco-Reyes.

She also gives particular credit to her parents, whose commitment to education and hard work had a lasting influence on her career and personal values.

A special thank you to Josh and Jaden for their work on the episode editing and show music, MoBetta Productions for production support, and Lidia for joining Chris in the conversation.

And, of course, thank you to Edna for sharing her experiences and insights with our listeners!

Stay Connected

Have a guest or topic you'd like us to feature on Tales of the Tribunal? We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us on LinkedIn, share this episode with a colleague, and follow the podcast for more conversations from the world of international law, business, and dispute resolution.

Disclaimer: None of the views shared today or any episode of Tales of the Tribunal is presented as legal advice nor advice of any kind.  No compensation was provided to any person or party for their appearance on the show nor do any of the statements made represent any particular organization, legal position or view point.  All interviewees appear on an arms-length basis and their appearance should not be construed as any bias or preferred affiliation with the host or host’s employer.  All rights reserved.

A Note on Episode Timestamps: Some podcast platforms automatically generate AI-based timestamps or chapter markers, which may not accurately reflect the episode's content. For the best listening experience, please refer to the timestamps provided in the official episode description.

There is no disputing it — you're listening to Tales of the Tribunal!

What happens when a former Chief Justice takes the reins of one of the world's most established arbitration institutions — just as artificial intelligence begins to transform the legal profession?

This week on Tales of the Tribunal, host Chris Campbell sits down with Bridget M. McCormack, former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and former President and CEO of the American Arbitration Association–International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR).

From practicing law in New York to teaching at Yale and Michigan, serving on the state's highest court, and eventually leading the AAA, Bridget's career has been anything but conventional.

During her tenure at the AAA, she helped champion a vision of dispute resolution that embraces innovation, technology, and a renewed focus on the people and businesses these processes are meant to serve.

Recorded during Bridget's final months at the AAA, this conversation offers a unique perspective on her leadership and the ideas shaping the next generation of dispute resolution.

Since our recording, Bridget has taken on a new role as General Manager, Judiciary at Clio, where she is helping advance the use of technology and artificial intelligence in courts and judicial institutions.

In this episode, Chris and Bridget explore:

1. A career of unexpected turns: How a labor dispute, a career in academia, and an unexpected opportunity to run for judicial office eventually led Bridget to the Michigan Supreme Court and the AAA.
2. Is arbitration becoming too much like litigation? Why arbitration needs to offer parties more choices, better value, and procedures suited to their actual disputes.
3. The arrival of AI arbitrators: A look inside the AAA's development of AI-powered dispute resolution, including agent-based systems, procedural fairness, and opportunities for earlier resolution.
4. Technology and access to justice: How AI could help address unmet legal needs — and the danger of creating a two-tiered justice system where only well-resourced parties benefit from innovation.
5. Leadership and bringing people along: Why successful leadership is less about always having the right answer and more about relationships, trust, curiosity, and being willing to change your mind.
6. Life beyond the law: Mentorship, managing our limited time, long-distance cycling, books, and a little Taylor Swift.

Whether you're an arbitrator, in-house counsel, litigator, legal technologist, or simply interested in where the justice system is headed, this is a conversation about how institutions evolve — and the people willing to help change them.

Episode Chapters

[00:00:35] — Opening Notes & Introduction

[00:03:02]— Interview Begins: Meet Bridget Mary McCormack

[00:41:50] — Beyond the Law: Books, Music & Personal Interests

[00:50:05] — Closing Notes & Acknowledgments

Please note: Timestamps may very per podcasting platform for the episode.

 

Books, Music & References

📚 Bridget's Book Recommendation

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals — Oliver Burkeman

A thought-provoking examination of our limited time and why meaningful living requires choosing what matters rather than trying to accomplish everything.

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250834386/fourthousandweeks/

🎵 Bridget's Music Recommendation

The Life of a Showgirl — Taylor Swift

Bridget shares her appreciation for Taylor Swift's latest album, particularly the song “Eldest Daughter.”

Album: https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Life%20of%20a%20Showgirl

Song: https://open.spotify.com/search/Taylor%20Swift%20Eldest%20Daughter

Learn More

American Arbitration Association / International Centre for Dispute Resolution

https://www.adr.org/

Clio — Bridget's New Chapter

https://www.clio.com/about/press/bridget-mary-mccormack-gm-judiciary/

Special Thanks

Bridget sends a special shout-out to her colleagues and team at the AAA, as well as the wider arbitration community for the warm welcome, support, and generosity they showed her during her time leading the institution.

And, of course, thank you to Bridget for sharing her experiences and perspectives with our listeners!

Stay Connected

Have a guest or topic you'd like us to feature on Tales of the Tribunal? We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us on LinkedIn, share this episode with a colleague, and follow the podcast for more conversations from the world of international law, business, and dispute resolution.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on Tales of the Tribunal are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, podcast, or any affiliated organizations. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

A Note on Episode Timestamps: Some podcast platforms automatically generate AI-based timestamps or chapter markers, which may not accurately reflect the episode's content. For the best listening experience, please refer to the timestamps provided in the official episode description.

There is no disputing it — you're listening to Tales of the Tribunal!

 

Welcome back to Tales of the Tribunal — Season 8!

What does it take to go from negotiating on behalf of the United Nations to building a company that aims to transform how lawyers work?

This week, host Chris Campbell welcomes Tamara Essayyad, an international lawyer, former United Nations negotiator, and co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Ketrone, a legal technology company focused on helping law firms become AI-native.

Tamara's career has taken her from investigating fraud and corruption on World Bank projects to participating in high-stakes international negotiations, leading legal and compliance teams, and ultimately making the leap into entrepreneurship.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Chris and Tamara explore:

1. The art of negotiation: Why being right isn't always enough, how to understand what the other side really wants, and why building trust can be more important than winning an argument.

2. From international law to entrepreneurship: What Tamara learned from working at the World Bank and United Nations, and how those experiences prepared her to build a business.

3. The future of legal AI: The shift from AI that answers questions to AI that takes action, and what that means for law firms, in-house counsel, and the future of legal practice.

4. Keeping humans in the lead: Why professional judgment, strategy, and relationships remain essential as technology takes on more legal work.

5. Lessons beyond the law: Career changes, mentorship, the importance of listening, and finding time for the people and experiences that matter most.

Along the way, Tamara shares the story behind Ketrone, her thoughts on what lawyers should be doing to prepare for AI, and some practical advice for anyone considering an unconventional legal career.

Time Stamps: 

Opening Notes - :45

Interview Starts - 3:17

Personal Interest - 46:20

Closing Notes - 55:31

 

Books, Music & References

📚 Tamara's Book Recommendation: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/677234/lessons-in-chemistry-by-bonnie-garmus/9780385547345/

🎵 Tamara's Music Recommendation: Jazzy Dinner — Spotify playlist

https://open.spotify.com/search/Jazzy%20Dinner/playlists

💻 Learn More About Ketrone:

https://ketrone.io

Special Thanks

A special thank you to Josh and Jaden for their work on the episode editing and show music, and to MoBetta Productions for their production support.

And, of course, thank you to Tamara for joining us and sharing her experiences!

Stay Connected

Have a guest or topic you'd like us to feature on Tales of the Tribunal? We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us on LinkedIn, share this episode with a colleague, and follow the podcast for more conversations from the world of international law, business, and dispute resolution.

 

There is no disputing it — you're listening to Tales of the Tribunal!

 

A Note on Episode Timestamps: Some podcast platforms automatically generate AI-based timestamps or chapter markers, which may not accurately reflect the episode's content. For the best listening experience, please refer to any timestamps provided in the official episode description.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on Tales of the Tribunal are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, podcast, or any affiliated organizations. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

 

Welcome to Season 8 of Tales of the Tribunal!

We're back! And to kick off the new season, we're tackling a question that many aspiring international lawyers and arbitration practitioners eventually confront: Is pursuing an LL.M. actually worth it?

For this special episode, we're handing the microphone to Lidia Biella, who leads a conversation with four international arbitration professionals whose LL.M. experiences helped shape their careers:

• Jake Lowther – SCC Arbitration Institute | Humboldt University of Berlin

• Jessica Rado – Klafter LEsser | Fordham University School of Law

• Sebastian Wuschka – Luther | Geneva LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement (MIDS)

• Alice Wang – Pinsent Masons | Tsinghua University

Together, they explore some of the practical questions that prospective LL.M. students should be asking:

1. When is the right time to pursue an LL.M., and should you qualify as a lawyer first?

2. How do you choose between programs in the United States, Europe, and Asia?

3. Is a specialized arbitration LL.M. more valuable than a general law degree?

4. How should tuition, scholarships, visas, and career opportunities factor into the decision?

5. What is the real return on investment—professionally and personally?

Our guests share their experiences studying and building careers across jurisdictions, along with candid reflections on the opportunities, challenges, friendships, and unexpected turns that came with their decisions.

Chris also shares his own experience studying at Tsinghua University and how international education helped shape his career and personal life.

Plus, we're kicking off Season 8 with a preview of what's ahead, including conversations with leading figures in international dispute resolution, in-house practice, and legal innovation, as well as news about our upcoming 2027 Vis Moot Audio Project.

Whether you're considering an LL.M., mentoring someone who is, or simply interested in building an international legal career, this episode offers plenty to think about.

There is no disputing it. You're listening to Tales of the Tribunal.

 

None of the views shared today or any episode of Tales of the Tribunal is presented as legal advice nor advice of any kind.  No compensation was provided to any organization or party for their inclusion on the show nor do any of the statements made represent any particular organization, legal position or view point.  All interviewees or organizations included appear on an arms-length basis and their appearance should not be construed as any bias or preferred affiliation with the host or host’s employer.  All rights reserved.

🎧 33rd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot — Audio Case Record

This episode presents an audio rendition of the case record through Procedural Order No. 2 from the Thirty-Third Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, produced by Tales of the Tribunal.

The recording has been lightly adapted for spoken delivery while remaining faithful to the official Vis Moot materials. Its purpose is to support students, coaches, and practitioners engaging with the Vis Moot problem by making the record more accessible in audio form.

In the event of any discrepancy between this recording and the official case file, the materials issued by the Vis Moot organizers control.

🎙️ Narrated by Chris Campbell, with contributions from members of the international arbitration community.

Our sincere thanks to the voice actors who brought this record to life: Mike McIlwrath (Joseph Langweiler), Anamaria Marin (Giorgia Theophrastus), Eric Ng (Edmond Albius), Snigdha Bhatta (SIAC Representative), Mandy Lee (Julia Fasttrack), Sherlin Tung (Professor Dr. Yesim Salepp), and Chris Campbell (all other roles).

⏱️ Timestamps for each section of the record are provided below for ease of reference.

📚 This recording is provided for educational purposes only. Any use outside that context requires the express written consent of Tales of the Tribunal.  Nothing in this recording constitutes legal advice, nor endorsement of any entity mentioned or referenced herein, including the Vis Moot.  All rights reserved.

 

 Intro - 0:00

 

Letter By Langweiler (31 July 2025) – 1:56

 

Notice of Arbitration - 3:48

 

Claimant Exhibits C1 (Witness Statement Theophrastus) – 25:11

 

C2 (Albius Email 15 June 2022)  - 34:10

 

Claimant Exhibit C3 (Sales Agreement 25 August 2022)  - 36:22

 

Claimant Exhibit C4 (Agriculture and Conservation 2 February 2024) – 49:56

 

Claimant Exhibit C5 (Email Albius-Haarmann 1 December 2023) – 54:07

 

 Claimant Exhibit C6 (Witness Statement Haarmann) - 55:33

 

Email SIAC concerning applicable version of SIAC Rules (1 August 2025)- 1:04:30

 

Email Langweiler concerning applicable version of SIAC Rules (4 August 2025) - 1:08.14

 

Claimant Exhibit C7 (Email Gobley - Theophrastus 26 November 2021) - 1:10:38

 

Email Fasttrack concerning applicable version SIAC Rules (6 August 2025) - 1:12.34

 

Commencement Letter by SIAC (8 August 2025) - 1:14.53

 

Letter by Fasttrack (14 August 2025) - 1:33:18

 

Response to the Notice of Arbitration 134:58

 

Respondent Exhibit R1 (Witness Statement Albius) - 1:59:06

 

Respondent Exhibit R2 (Email Albius - Theophrastus 22 August 2022) - 2:05.40

 

Respondent R3 (Email Theophrastus - Albius 1 March 2024 Termination) - 2:07:07

 

Respondent R4 (The Insider - 4 August 2025) - 2:08:44

 

Letter by Langweiler (14 August 2025) - 2:11:23

 

Letter by SIAC Concerning the Appointment of the Presiding Arbitrator and the Constitution of the Tribunal (10 September 2025) - 2:14:50

 

Letter by Salepp (19 September 2025) - 2:23:49

 

Letter by Salepp (9 October 2025) - 2:24:45

 

Procedural Order No. 1 - 2:25:45

Procedural Order No. 2  - 2:33:38

 

Closing - 3:02:36

 

🎬 Season 7 Finale

Dispute finance, strategy, and the business of arbitration.

In the Season 7 finale of Tales of the Tribunal, Chris Campbell is joined by Ayşe Yazıcı Açı, Investment Manager at Bench Walk Advisors, for a deep dive into third-party funding and dispute finance.

Ayşe explains how funders assess risk, how data and human judgment intersect in funding decisions, and what lawyers often misunderstand about legal finance. The episode also looks ahead — to transparency, disclosure, competition, and how funding continues to reshape arbitration strategy worldwide.

A fitting close to a season focused on evolution, perspective, and where disputes are headed next.

📚 Books Mentioned

• Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0374533555

• The Black Swan – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/081297381X

🎶 Music Mentioned

• Sezen Aksu – Gülümse
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E8V7iYcZ0Q

• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVN1B-tUpgs

 

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40833847/admin/

 

Check out our website: TalesOfTheTribunal.com

 

For Feedback, comments or submissions contact TalesOfTheTribunal@Gmail.com

 

None of the views shared today or any episode of Tales of the Tribunal is presented as legal advice nor advice of any kind.  No compensation was provided to any organization or party for their inclusion on the show nor do any of the statements made represent any particular organization, legal position or view point.  All interviewees or organizations included appear on an arms-length basis and their appearance should not be construed as any bias or preferred affiliation with the host or host’s employer.  All rights reserved.

Aisha Abdallah, ALN Kenya Anjarwalla & Khanna

Building world-class disputes practices in Africa — on your own terms.

Chris Campbell sits down with Aisha Abdallah, Head of Dispute Resolution at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna, for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and the evolution of arbitration and disputes work across Africa.

Aisha shares her journey building a female-led, top-tier disputes practice, navigating cross-border commercial conflicts, and challenging misconceptions about legal practice on the African continent. The episode also explores rule of law, mentorship, capacity-building, and why global arbitration must better reflect lived regional expertise.

An essential listen for anyone working across borders — or thinking seriously about the future of the profession.

📚 Books Mentioned

• The Trees – Percival Everett
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1641290679

• James – Percival Everett
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385549376

🎶 Music Mentioned

• Dr. Dre (classic hip-hop / R&B)                                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0APwW6wQV8E&list=RD0APwW6wQV8E&start_radio=1

• Afrobeat (general genre)
  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=afrobeats+playlist

 

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40833847/admin/

 

Check out our website: TalesOfTheTribunal.com

 

For Feedback, comments or submissions contact TalesOfTheTribunal@Gmail.com

 

None of the views shared today or any episode of Tales of the Tribunal is presented as legal advice nor advice of any kind.  No compensation was provided to any organization or party for their inclusion on the show nor do any of the statements made represent any particular organization, legal position or view point.  All interviewees or organizations included appear on an arms-length basis and their appearance should not be construed as any bias or preferred affiliation with the host or host’s employer.  All rights reserved.

 

Roman Kramařík, JSK Law Firm

Navigation, judgment, and re-imagining arbitration through maps.

In this episode of Tales of the Tribunal, Chris Campbell is joined by Dr. Roman Kramarik — arbitrator, partner in Prague, aviation pioneer, and the founder of Arbitration Atlas.

Roman reflects on building an independent practice outside Big Law, the value of technical literacy for lawyers, and how his experience as a pilot informs decision-making, leadership, and arbitral judgment. The conversation also dives deep into Arbitration Atlas, a new project mapping procedural and legal differences across jurisdictions in a way the arbitration community has never seen before.

A thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion on ethics, perspective, and why arbitration needs better tools — not just more rules.

🔗 Arbitration Atlas: https://arbitrationatlas.com

📚 Books Mentioned

• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert M. Pirsig
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060589469

• Works of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Wind, Sand and Stars)
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0156027494

• The Economist (regular reading)
  https://www.economist.com

🎶 Music Mentioned

• Johann Sebastian Bach (classical works)
  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bach+classical+music

• Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuaTY3z4Z2I

 

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40833847/admin/

 

Check out our website: TalesOfTheTribunal.com

 

For Feedback, comments or submissions contact TalesOfTheTribunal@Gmail.com

 

None of the views shared today or any episode of Tales of the Tribunal is presented as legal advice nor advice of any kind.  No compensation was provided to any organization or party for their inclusion on the show nor do any of the statements made represent any particular organization, legal position or view point.  All interviewees or organizations included appear on an arms-length basis and their appearance should not be construed as any bias or preferred affiliation with the host or host’s employer.  All rights reserved.

🎧 Episode Description – Live with Ann Ryan Robertson (AtlAS Conference)

Our first-ever LIVE episode of Tales of the Tribunal — recorded at the 2025 Atlanta International Arbitration Society (AtlAS) Annual Conference — features none other than Ann Ryan Robertson.

Ann is one of the most respected voices in international arbitration:

• Former President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)

• Newly independent international arbitrator

• Leader, mentor, and advocate for excellence, diversity, and integrity in the field

In this special live conversation, Ann and Chris discuss:

• Her journey from trial lawyer to globally recognized arbitrator

• Leading CIArb through the complexities of the pandemic

• Why cognitive diversity may be the most important form of diversity in dispute resolution

• How arbitration is adapting to innovation, energy transition, and shifting global priorities

• The traits she believes make truly effective advocates

• Reflections on mentorship, ethics, and the future of the field

This episode also includes a brief audience Q&A from the live session — a first in Tales of the Tribunal history.

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🕒 Timestamps

• Opening Notes – 00:31

• Live Interview Begins – ~01:37

• Audience Q&A – ~27:18

• Personal Interest - 33:28

• Closing Notes – ~39:10

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📚 Books Mentioned

• A Farewell to Arms – Ernest Hemingway

• The Killing Kind – Jane Casey

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🎶 Music Mentioned

• Patsy Cline – Crazy → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x6D0bEJ3w4

• Luciano Pavarotti – Nessun Dorma → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dSYNbZ6Zxw

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40833847/admin/

 

Check out our website: TalesOfTheTribunal.com

 

For Feedback, comments or submissions contact TalesOfTheTribunal@Gmail.com

 

None of the views shared today or any episode of Tales of the Tribunal is presented as legal advice nor advice of any kind.  No compensation was provided to any organization or party for their inclusion on the show nor do any of the statements made represent any particular organization, legal position or view point.  All interviewees or organizations included appear on an arms-length basis and their appearance should not be construed as any bias or preferred affiliation with the host or host’s employer.  All rights reserved.