Anthony Walker, Partner and Head of English Law Practice at Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin & Partners Law Firm (RGD), took part in the 11th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum as a speaker, joining the session titled “Interaction Between Arbitration and Other Dispute Resolution Methods: The Potential to Develop Hybrid Procedures.” The session was focused on arbitration and mediation, and their effectiveness, as well as various related issues, including mediators assuming the role of arbitrators and conversion of a mediation agreement into an arbitral award.

During his presentation, Anthony Walker addressed the topic of mandatory mediation. He pointed out that arbitration institutions and rules, among other factors, can play a crucial role in facilitating mediation within the arbitration process, leading to successful and more equitable dispute resolution. Additionally, he highlighted that recent international trends have contributed positively to a wider adoption of mediation practices.

Anthony provided an example of the evolving trend in the UK where voluntary arbitration is gradually becoming a mandatory practice, referencing a report by the Civil Justice Council. However, he also expressed concerns regarding the potential challenges associated with mandatory mediation, including issues related to institutionalization, payment, authorization, and certification.

Joining Anthony Walker in the discussion were Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court of India; Ali Ismael Al Zarooni, Managing Partner at Horizons & Co law firm; Lev Gershanok, Director of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, and other experts.