Professor Maxi Scherer, special counsel in the International Arbitration Practice Group, delivered a two-hour seminar titled “The Future of International Arbitration: Virtual Hearings and AI-Arbitrators?” at a conference on online dispute resolution and arbitration. The event, which took place virtually, was organized by the Mexican Bar Association. More than 80 people attended online.

Professor Scherer addressed two topical issues in international arbitration. First, she discussed the regulatory framework and practicalities of virtual hearings, in particular in the light of the current COVID-19 crises. Second, she assessed whether and to what extent arbitrators will be helped or arguably even replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) in the future. Her presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session with the participants via the online chat.

Professor Scherer has previously been recognized by Global Arbitration Review for her work in this area. In 2018, she was honored for best lecture or speech for a keynote address she gave at the Vienna Arbitration Days, in which she discussed these topics.