Mexico is experiencing one of the most significant institutional transformations in its modern legal history. The judicial reform approved in 2024 fundamentally changes the composition of the federal judiciary by introducing the popular election of judges, magistrates, and Supreme Court justices. While supporters argue that the reform will increase democratic accountability, many participants in the business community have expressed concerns about its potential impact on judicial independence, …
international arbitration
The Venezuela Dispute Resolution Conundrum
In “The Venezuela Dispute Resolution Conundrum,” Marc J. Goldstein examines the complex legal and political risks facing energy and mining companies considering new investments in Venezuela. He focuses on OFAC’s June 2026 General Licenses, which require contracts to be governed by the laws of a U.S. jurisdiction and related dispute resolution proceedings to occur in the United States, United Kingdom, France, or Singapore. The commentary explores how political instability, future governmental …
Venezuela Six Months Later: An Update for the Arbitration Community
In “Venezuela Six Months Later: An Update for the Arbitration Community,” the author examines how Venezuela’s evolving political and economic landscape could affect international arbitration, foreign investment, and the country’s efforts to rebuild its energy sector. The commentary explores the positions of major oil companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Repsol, while considering the continuing significance of unpaid arbitral awards and judgments arising from earlier …
College of Commercial Arbitrators Files Amicus Brief in D.C. Circuit on Rule of Law Issues
On April 3, 2026, the College of Commercial Arbitrators (CCA) filed an amicus curiae brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, addressing issues central to the rule of law and the independence of legal representation. The brief was submitted in connection with ongoing litigation involving several major law firms and executive orders affecting their ability to represent certain clients. In its filing, the College emphasizes a foundational principle of …
The College of Commercial Arbitrators Welcomes 13 New Fellows and Announces 2025–2026 Executive Committee
AUSTIN, TX – October 28, 2025 – The College of Commercial Arbitrators (CCA), a professional organization that promotes the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and best practices in commercial arbitration, is pleased to announce the induction of 13 new Fellows and the appointment of its 2025–2026 Executive Committee. CCA Fellows Class of 2025 • Jay Alexander – Alexander Arbitration, LLC, Dillon, CO• Tom Cunningham – Tom Alan Cunningham PLLC, Houston, TX• Renee Gerstman – Renee …
The Art of Arbitrator Selection
In “The Art of Arbitrator Selection,” CCA Fellow Cedric C. Chao explains why choosing the right arbitrator may be the most important decision a party makes in a domestic or international commercial arbitration. He identifies seven key considerations, including the arbitration agreement, reliable sources of information about candidates, substantive and procedural experience, impartiality, cultural understanding, and availability. Chao also offers practical guidance for balancing subject-matter …
Ep. 3 The Paris Olympics Controversy: A Battle for Bronze & the Role of CAS
What happens when an award of an Olympic medal decision is overturned? In this gripping episode of Arbitration Talk, CAS arbitrators Jim Carter and Kristen Thorsness join host Rich Silberberg to unpack the most highly disputed medal award of the Paris 2024 Olympics. A protest over scoring in the women’s gymnastics floor exercise event final led to a shocking series of reversals, leaving three athletes in limbo and setting the stage for a controversial ruling by the Court of Arbitration …
Ep. 2 CAS, Doping Scandals & Shocking Cases!
Are you familiar with the use of tainted burrito and kissing defenses to potentially disqualifying doping charges? Or the shattering of an Olympic athlete’s dreams by a paperwork error? In this episode, CAS arbitrators Jim Carter and Kristen Thorsness and dive deep into real cases they have heard, decided, and followed over the years—some that made headlines, and others that were no less heart breaking that remained in the shadows. Whether arising on site at thethe …
Ep. 1 Demystifying the Court of Arbitration for Sport
Welcome to CCA Arbitration Talk – the podcast of the College of Commercial Arbitrators (CCA), the pre-eminent professional organization in the field of commercial arbitration. This podcast series explores the world of commercial arbitration, including its advantages, challenges, and impact upon today's legal landscape. What happens when a high-stakes dispute arises in international athletic events? Enter the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)—the ultimate decision-maker in global …
College of Commercial Arbitrators Launches ‘CCA Arbitration Talk’ Podcast with Three Inaugural Episodes
Austin, TX – The College of Commercial Arbitrators (CCA) is proud to announce the launch of its highly anticipated podcast, CCA Arbitration Talk. This new series aims to demystify the world of commercial arbitration and explore its advantages, challenges, and profound impact on today’s legal landscape. The CCA Arbitration Talk podcast series is geared to a wide audience of listeners, including individuals and businesses currently using or contemplating the use of commercial arbitration to …
