The first Arbitrators´ Quest was convened by the international law firm Konrad & Partners on 7 of May 2015, during which the top ten applicants from the CEE and SEE Regions competed against one another, seeking to impress the mock arbitral tribunal.
The first Arbitrators´ Quest was convened by the international law firm Konrad & Partners on 7 of May 2015, during which the top ten applicants from the CEE and SEE Regions competed against one another, seeking to impress the mock arbitral tribunal. All competitors were brilliantly prepared, and argued the case for both the claimant and respondent. The arbitral tribunal consisted of lawyers from Konrad & Partners’ International Arbitration Group.
The winner, Bartosz Jedryszczyk from Poland, was awarded a two-month internship at the firm.
Dr. Christian W. Konrad, Founding Partner of Konrad & Partners, and Dr. Heidrun Halbartschlager, lawyers and organisers of the Arbitrators´ Quest, were eager to congratulate Mr. Jedryszczyk:
“It was a close race and therefore not easy to select the best of the best - every participant did a great job. By hosting the Arbitrators’ Quest and giving the opportunity to complete an internship at our offices, we aim to provide students and young professionals in the field of International Arbitration with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in international disputes.”
Panel discussion & cocktails
A panel discussion was organised in the evening, and concerned the topic: International Arbitration – How to shape your career from an experts view. The numerous students who attended were given helpful insights into establishing a successful career in International Arbitration.
Michael Köttritsch, from the Presse, moderated the discussion, and was joined by the well-known experts: Prof. Manfred Straube from the University of Vienna, Dr. Eugen Sonnleithner, Erste Group Immorent AG, Prof. Thomas Ratka, Donau University Krems, and the host of the evening, Dr. Konrad.
“LL.M. vs Doctorate?”: Dr. Konrad commented that “Both are important. An LL.M. provides a solid basis to continue your legal education, preferably in English, and indicates a strong commitment to engage in further studies, even after completion of a law degree. A Doctorate also provides an exceptional opportunity to specialise in a particular legal area, including International Arbitration, and such skills are directly transferrable into legal practice.”
Prof. Thomas Ratka, who founded the LL.M programme on International Dispute Resolution at the Danube University Krems in March 2015, explained that solid grades, an excellent command of English and practical experience are key to a career in International Arbitration.
Dr. Sonnleithner and Dr. Konrad also commented that a sound knowledge of procedural and substantive law are indispensable in International Arbitration.
The panelists agreed that International Arbitration is overall quicker and more cost-efficient than state court litigation. They explained that in arbitration – both domestic and international - for example, a single hearing might replace numerous oral proceedings which are normally held throughout state court proceedings.
A cocktail reception followed the discussion.