On 12–13 November, 2024, at Holiday Inn Yerevan – Republic Square, the Armenian British Business Chamber – ABBC and HAP Law Firm, in sponsorship with Fieldfisher, hosted the highly anticipated legal expertise exchange event – English Law Days.
This two-day training, held under the auspices of the British Embassy Yerevan, brought together legal professionals, international experts, and representatives from prominent organisations, such as Fieldfisher, Ankura, Herbert Smith Freehills, Dechamps International Law and the British-Georgian Law Association, BGLA.
Day 1 Highlights
The first day of English Law Days focused on equipping legal professionals with a deep understanding of English law and international dispute resolution. The day began with a warm welcome from:
- Mr John Gallagher, HM Ambassador to Armenia
- Dr Lilit Tadevosyan, President of the RA Court of Cassation
- Dr Hovhannisyan, Managing Partner at HAP Law Firm
Their addresses emphasised the importance of fostering international legal collaboration and highlighted the growing relevance of English law in Armenia’s legal and business sectors.
A series of engaging presentations followed, featuring leading experts who shared their insights on a variety of specialised topics:
- Mr Arik Aslanyan from Fieldfisher: Discussed the powers of English courts in granting worldwide freezing orders (WFO), offering valuable knowledge on injunctions and asset protection.
Ms Raeesa Rawal from Herbert Smith Freehills: Provided a roadmap for managing claims and disputes in renewable energy projects, detailing best practices in claims management and contract structuring.- Mr Pablo Jaroslavsky from Dechamps International: Explored investment dispute management, from foundational dispute prevention concepts to the nuances of investment treaties, highlighting strategies to mitigate risks.
- Mr Rob Outram from Ankura Consulting Group: Delved into quantum assessment in investor-state disputes, explaining methodologies for damage evaluation and their role in shaping case strategy.
- Nick Gvinadze from the British-Georgian Law Association: Shared the evolution of relations with the British legal profession from a Georgian perspective, offering comparative insights relevant to Armenia.
- Dr Armen Haykyants, Yerevan State University, Chair of Civil Law: Examined the role of English law in the international private law system, drawing parallels and contrasts with Armenian law.
Day 2 Discussions
The second day of English Law Days targeted the general business community and brought together legal professionals, business representatives, and international experts for an engaging exploration of English law’s role in global and regional contexts.
Panel Discussion: Global Dispute Solutions
The training opened up an insightful panel discussion on global dispute solutions: strategic navigation and support, featuring insights from:
- Mr Sergey Okoev, Senior Associate, Dispute & Member of CIS Group, Fieldfisher
- Mr Rob Outram, Managing Director, Disputes & Economics, Ankura
Moderated by Dr Hayk Hovhannisyan, Managing Partner of HAP Law Firm, the session delved into strategic approaches to resolving disputes on a global scale. Panellists shared practical solutions and emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing complex legal challenges.
Key Presentations:
- Ms Raeesa Rawal, Herbert Smith Freehills: Building on her Day One session, Ms Rawal explored strategies for managing risk and avoiding disputes in renewable energy projects. Her talk focused on proactive risk management and fostering resilience in contract structuring.
- Nick Gvinadze, British-Georgian Law Association: Offered a comprehensive perspective on the role of English law and UK legal services in enhancing the investment climate in the region. His talk highlighted the pivotal role that legal frameworks play in fostering economic development and investor confidence.
Networking Opportunities
The event concluded with a vibrant networking reception, fostering connections between local and UK-based professionals. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with key representatives from the UK and Armenian legal sectors around drinks and appetisers.
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our co-organisers—British Embassy Yerevan, HAP Law Firm, and Fieldfisher. A special thanks to the guest speakers who enriched the sessions with their profound insights, making the event both beneficial and inspiring.
