Out-of-court dispute settlement has become an increasingly popular choice for clients for a multitude of reasons, including confidentiality, cost-efficiency and effectiveness in resolving disputes. Hong Kong enjoys a geographical advantage as well as a well-established system which renders it an internationally attractive place for ADR to take place.
In 2017, the Arbitration and Mediation Legislation (Third Party Funding) (Amendment) Ordinance Order No. 6 of 2017 (the ‘Amendment Ordinance’) was passed to legalise third-party funding of arbitration, mediation and related proceedings in Hong Kong. The Amendment Ordinance clarifies that third-party funding for arbitration and mediation is not prohibited by the common law doctrines of maintenance and champerty and provides for related safeguards.
DVC members have extensive experience acting as counsel or arbitrator in international and domestic arbitrations governed by various institutional rules, including HKIAC, CIETAC, SIAC, LMAA, ICC and UNCITRAL. Our members are also panel arbitrators at various arbitral institutions, as well as fellow members of renowned institutes of arbitrators.
Members are equally well-versed in ad hoc arbitrations, and can flexibly adapt to the characteristics of each dispute and the needs of each client.
Specific Areas of Expertise
- Arbitration as counsel
- Arbitration as arbitrator
- Enforcement of Arbitral Award
- Adjudication
- Expert Determination
Des Voeux Chambers Members’ Contributions to Arbitration
Since its establishment in 1984, DVC members have been instrumental in promoting the use and development of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Hong Kong and worldwide, and have played an immensely important role in Hong Kong’s transformation into an international arbitration centre in particular.
Neil Kaplan, CBE KS SBS, KC, the first Chairman of Des Voeux and distinguished former member, was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Hong Kong in 1990, and has served as a longstanding Presiding Judge of Construction and Arbitration matters. DVC members have also held important positions in the field of arbitration, such as Chairman of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre.
The present members of Des Voeux Chambers remain active in the area of international arbitration and have worked diligently for the development of the profession.
