***NO SALES RIGHTS IN SWITZERLAND*** This second edition of the first comprehensive commentary on the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration covers the new version of these rules which entered into force on 1 June 2012. It is a practical guide for arbitrators, counsel, state courts and persons involved in the conduct and administration of arbitral proceedings under the Swiss Rules. This commentary presents the new version of the Swiss Rules from a double perspective. On the one hand, it emphasizes the relationship between these Rules and the Swiss legal regime governing international arbitration, namely the provisions of chapter 12 of the Swiss Private International Law Statute. On the other hand, it puts these Rules in an international perspective by comparing them with the corresponding provisions of the other major institutional rules (ICC, LCIA, SCC, DIS, VIAC, SIAC, HKIAC, CIETAC, AAA/ ICDR, WIPO and ICSID) and with the provisions of the former edition of the rules. Finally, it highlights the main differences between the Swiss Rules and the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules which were revised in 2010. This book is written by arbitration practitioners based in Switzerland who work with established law firms, widely experienced in international commercial arbitration. It is the work of a refreshing new generation of Swiss arbitration specialists. Two of the editors were members of the working group for the revision of the Swiss Rules and thus bring special insight into the book about the revision process.

A convenient, neutral location, with a long-standing tradition of arbitration, arbitration-friendly legislation, arbitration-supportive courts, and an exemplary infrastructure – for all of these reasons, parties often choose Switzerland as their preferred seat of arbitration. Switzerland continues to therefore play a leading role in the field of arbitration. This book, since its first edition in 2004, has been widely used as a peerless practitioners’ guide to international arbitration in Switzerland. Keeping in line with the first edition, this second edition describes in detail each phase of arbitral proceedings, from drafting the arbitration clause to challenge and enforcement of the award. The second edition continues to pay close attention to all aspects, including procedure before the arbitral tribunal, interim measures, confidentiality, the mediation alternative, and many other topics. The new edition has been extensively revised to take fully into account the newly amended Swiss Rules of International Arbitration, as well as numerous changes internationally, such as the revised ICC Rules and the revised UNCITRAL Rules. Many new decisions of the Swiss Federal Tribunal relating to arbitration are also considered, as is legal commentary. The second edition also features a chart comparing major institutional arbitration rules on all aspects of the arbitral process covered by those rules. There are also two entirely new chapters – one on the legislative framework of Swiss arbitration law, and one addressing costs of arbitration. The approach throughout is rigorously practice-oriented, adding theoretical support whenever necessary. With the help of this book, practitioners will proceed confidently as they approach such tasks as the following: drafting an effective arbitration clause and choosing between ad hoc and institutional arbitration; understanding the manner in which arbitral proceedings can be structured and evaluating what is best suited to their needs; weighing the possibilities of interim relief at their disposal; anticipating the duration and costs of proceedings; and assessing post-award options. Whilst focusing on the latest developments in international commercial arbitration, International Arbitration in Switzerland includes sections on sports arbitration (with a focus on the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne) and on Swiss-based public international law dispute settlement mechanisms, such as those of the WTO and the UNCC. The book provides useful answers to concrete questions that in-house lawyers, outside counsel, and arbitrators are confronted with when practicing international arbitration in Switzerland. With its wealth of practical expertise and up-to-date information, it will enable foreign in-house and external counsel to make the appropriate choices and decisions. It will be indispensable for all practitioners and academics interested in arbitration in Switzerland.

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration, the ASA decided to devote its annual conference in January 2014 to this topic. This volume of the ASA Special Series contains the written versions of all the presentations given during this conference. Most of the contributions were based on the verbatim protocol which was prepared on the conference day and thus retain their informal speaking style. In their 10 years of existence, the Swiss Rules have established themselves as modern arbitration rules, offering a user efficient and transparent arbitral proceedings. Probably the most distinguishing feature of the Swiss Rules with regard to the administration of the cases is their "light touch" as applied by the Swiss Chambers' Arbitration Institution, reserving however a supervisory function for its Court. This volume is structured along the panels of the conference. The first panel addressed the history and the background of the Rules as well as their main characteristics. The second and the third panels explore the key features of the revised Swiss Rules, namely the consolidation and joinder provisions, the set-off and counter-claim provisions, the expedited procedure, provisional measures and the emergency arbitrator as well as provisions on confidentiality and settlement facilitation. While the fourth panel provided the insiders’ view into how the Institution administers its cases, the fifth and last panel discussed the perspectives of the users, the arbitrators and counsel as well as their experiences with the Swiss Rules.

Arbitration in Switzerland

This book represents the very first comprehensive commentary on the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration entered into force on January 1, 2004. It is a practical guide for arbitrators, party representatives, state courts and persons involved in the administration of arbitral proceedings under the Swiss Rules. This commentary presents the new Swiss Rules from a double perspective. On the one hand, it emphasizes the relationship between these Rules and the Swiss legal regime governing international arbitration, namely the provisions of chapter 12 of the Swiss Private International Law Statute. On the other hand, it puts these Rules in an international and comparative perspective by comparing them with the corresponding provisions of the major institutional rules (ICC, LCIA, WIPO, etc.) and with the provisions of the former rules of the two most important Swiss Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Geneva and Zurich). Finally, it highlights the main differences to the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules on which the new Swiss Rules are based. This book is edited and written by young arbitration practitioners from Switzerland working with law firms having a long lasting and wide experience in international commercial arbitration. It represents the refreshing work of a new generation of Swiss arbitration practitioners. Book jacket.

"This book, by a leading international arbitration practitioner, offers suggested language for every option that a drafter of an international arbitration clause may need. Following a succinct assessment of the choice between arbitration and litigation and commentary on the choices among arbitration fora and formats, the author presents an accessible how-to for drafting. While other works offer theory and a smattering of drafting tips, there is no other comprehensive collection of workable language, presented accessibly with easy-to-reference appendices. This book will be a standard reference for both in-house counsel and outside practitioners. This book provides, in an accessible format, clauses that address all the significant issues that contracting parties face, and in any event should consider, when they decide to draft a dispute resolution clause for an international contract. Those who wish immediate access to suggested language may turn directly to the Appendices. Those who wish to understand the analysis that leads to the suggested language should read the text."--Publisher's website.