📅 12 April 2025 – | Vienna |
🕘 All Day | , Austria |
Vienna, Austria – 12 April, 2025–In a dynamic and timely gathering, the International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Institutions (IFCAI) hosted a high-level event in Vienna titled “Pay Me in Full or You Owe Me One” – Remunerating the Arbitrator: When, How, and How Much?. Held at the elegant premises of Pitkowitz & Partners, the session brought together distinguished voices from leading arbitral institutions to explore the complexities and evolving practices surrounding arbitrator remuneration.
The event was hosted by Pitkowitz & Partners, a prestigious GAR 100 Vienna-based law firm renowned for its expertise in international arbitration, high-stakes litigation, and real estate and construction law. The session was inaugurated by Dr. Nikolaus Pitkowitz, a distinguished Austrian legal expert and a leading figure in the global arbitration community. Serving as President of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) and Founding Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution Practice at Pitkowitz & Partners, Dr. Pitkowitz delivered the opening remarks and formally introduced the session’s moderator and speakers, setting the stage for a dynamic and engaging exchange.
Moderated by Dr. Ismail Selim, President of IFCAI and Director of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), the event fostered a rich and engaging dialogue that reflected both the depth and diversity of institutional perspectives. The panel featured an exceptional lineup of speakers, each representing a prominent arbitral institution. Jake Lowther, Specialist Counsel at the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC), brought insights into Scandinavian approaches to fee models and transparency. Mohamed Firdaus bin Mohamed Noor, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), offered valuable perspectives on balancing affordability and institutional sustainability. Niamh Leinwather, Secretary General of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC), contributed practical reflections rooted in VIAC’s long-standing experience in Central Europe. Ramona Schardt, Secretary General of the German Institution of Arbitration (DIS), shared views on fee management in high-value, complex disputes within the German framework.
The session opened with a series of succinct institutional presentations, allowing each speaker to outline how their institution approaches the remuneration of arbitrators. These “elevator pitches” were followed by an interactive live poll, which engaged the audience directly and captured diverse opinions on cost structures and expectations—a feature that added a dynamic, real-time element to the discussion.
The conversation then turned to several core issues at the heart of arbitrator compensation. The panel addressed the merits and drawbacks of ad valorem versus time-based fee models, explored how institutions handle fees in cases that are discontinued before an award is rendered, and examined the appropriate timing and handling of advances on costs, particularly for counterclaims and set-offs. They also discussed mechanisms for adjusting arbitrator fees in particularly complex matters and considered emerging, innovative pricing structures that could shape the future of institutional arbitration.
Throughout the session, Dr. Selim steered the discussion, drawing out thoughtful commentary and encouraging a robust exchange of ideas. His moderation underscored the importance of fostering comparative dialogue while remaining sensible to the practical realities institutions face in discussing fair and transparent decisions for the arbitrators fees.
The event also marked a special milestone, as it was officially added to the Willem C. Vis Moot calendar—an acknowledgment of its relevance and prestige within the arbitration community. With participation capped at 50 attendees and 40 spots secured in advance, the strong interest in the Vienna gathering reflected the value and timeliness of the topics addressed, as well as the credibility of IFCAI’s programming.
As this successful session came to a close, it reinforced IFCAI’s commitment to promoting best practices and meaningful discourse across the global arbitration landscape. By facilitating such timely conversations, IFCAI continues to support a more efficient, equitable, and transparent arbitration ecosystem for practitioners, institutions, and future professionals alike.
The event concluded on a high note with the Transitional Annual Dinner, graciously hosted by Dr. Nikolaus Pitkowitz at the iconic Hotel Sacher, one of Vienna’s most celebrated landmarks. Set against a backdrop of timeless elegance, the evening offered a distinguished setting for continued dialogue, meaningful connections, and collegial camaraderie. It served as a graceful conclusion to a day marked by rich intellectual engagement and a spirit of institutional renewal.
Organized By:
IFCAI & Pitkowitz & Partners