Irish barrister elected president of CIArb for 2018

James Bridgeman BL has been elected by members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) to serve as its deputy president in 2017 and president in 2018.

Mr Bridgeman, who is in general practice as an advocate based at the Law Library Dublin and Lamb Chambers London, is the first Irish barrister to take up the role.

He holds practising certificates both in Ireland and in England and Wales, and his practice focusses on civil and commercial litigation, intellectual property, technology law, arbitration and ADR.

He is a member of the ADR sub-committee of Bar Council of England and Wales, a former chairman of the CIArb Irish Branch and a past vice-chair of the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland.

Speaking after his election, Mr Bridgeman told ILN: “I am delighted and honoured to be elected worldwide Chair of the CIArb for 2018.

“It presents a great opportunity to raise the awareness of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators which sets the gold standard of professionalism for arbitrators, mediators and adjudicators across the world.

“I hope that my term as President to bring the benefits of Arbitration, Mediation and Adjudication to the attention of parties and their advisors across the globe.

“It is well known that the two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland have proven to be most suitable seats for international dispute resolution and I hope that an Irish President will bring the two jurisdictions to the attention of practitioners and their clients across the globe.”

CIArb provides training, accreditation and support for 14,000 member arbitrators, mediators and adjudicators in 133 countries around the world through its network of 38 branches, its administration in London and a regional office in Singapore.

The Irish Branch, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, has around 600 members, including a chapter in Northern Ireland.