On 20 November 2008, we had the pleasure of being addressed by Ms Finola O'Farrell QC and Simon Hughes from the construction law specialists barristers at Keating Chambers speak to SCL members and guests on "A Comparative Overview: (1) Institutional Arbitration (2) Liquidated Damages".

Ms. O'Farrell a practicing barrister, adjudicator and mediator who took Silk in 2002 and Mr. Hughes with an impressive practice acting in a large number of substantial high profile disputes in the UK and overseas, presented their joint papers with the aid of presentation slides on both topics. Their talk on Institutional Arbitration covered the various arbitral institutes, recommended clauses, several of the key rules of arbitration, statistics and comparative tables on Request for Arbitration and Response, formation of Arbitral Tribunal, expedited formation of Arbitral Tribunal , jurisdiction, powers and fees for such arbitrations. After the break, their talk on Liquidated Damages covered the nature and purpose of liquidated damages, whether it was an exhaustive remedy, grounds for challenge, general damages if liquidated damages are unenforceable and several cases.Their presentation provided the participants with a timely reminder of the essentials when dealing with International Arbitration and Liquidated Damages.