And because, although London dominates, other centres are slowly but surely growing. The LMAA seminar attracted a full house of lawyers and arbitration users, who heard Francis Sarre, of CMB International, say that he prefers to insert a commercial court dispute clause in his charter parties. He outlined the problems with London arbitration, basically concluding that, as it looked like the courts, you might just as well use the courts, as they are cheaper and quicker. Sarre's plea was for arbitrators to limit discovery and nip interlocutaries in the bud. Tim Young, a rather pompous barrister from 20 Essex Street, pointed out that arbitrators can set their own rules of evidence.
Discovery is a tool of oppression and unjust enrichment.
Katherine Stovring, BP's in-house shipping team lawyer, said solicitors hate discovery as much as clients and arbitrators do. The calls for action went on. John Morris, director of Thomas Miller Defence, said the new arbitration act had not had the effect users wished. But I think there are still too many cobwebs. He ended with a clarion call.