John V.H. Pierce, head of WilmerHale’s International Arbitration practice in the New York office, was among 41 highly accomplished attorneys, judges, and legal scholars elected on December 17, 2020 to membership in the American Law Institute (ALI). The ALI is the leading independent organization in the United States producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize, and otherwise improve the law. Members draft, discuss, revise and publish Restatements of the Law, model statutes and principles of law that influence the courts and legislatures, as well as legal scholarship and education. ALI’s members come from the bar, bench, and academy and are selected on the basis of outstanding achievement in the legal profession.

Pierce represents a global client base in a wide range of industries and sectors in international arbitrations seated throughout the world. He has extensive experience arbitrating under both civil and common law regimes, and under the rules of all major arbitral institutions. He also represents clients in international civil litigation matters in United States courts, and sits as an arbitrator in international disputes.  

In a statement announcing the newly elected members, ALI President David F. Levi said, “I am pleased to welcome this new group of practicing lawyers, academics, and state and federal judges who will bring their own unique voices and contributions to our work, at a time when our work is most needed. Our membership continues to prove that civil debate and careful deliberation are still possible, even on a virtual platform. We welcome these new members and look forward to the contributions they will make to our Restatement, Principles, and Model Code projects. It will be a particular pleasure to welcome them in person just as soon as that becomes possible.”