London's High Court has blocked the government of Kazakhstan from pursuing a claim against a unit of US energy company AES other than through an English arbitration - even though neither side is pursuing an arbitral claim.

Cyprus has opened a new international arbitration centre, CIAC, which, like the similar-sounding SIAC, aspires to become a major player in international arbitration, trading on its reputation as an offshore investment centre.

The first of the ICCA fringe events kicked off today in Rio de Janeiro, with the LCIA Young International Arbitrator's Group holding its symposium. There's still plenty to come.

A recent ICSID award on whether Canadian regulations governing log exports breached the North American Free Trade Agreement puts the spotlight on the international law standard of fair and equitable treatment.

Ash cloud permitting, many arbitration practitioners will this week head to Rio de Janeiro for the ICCA conference. GAR will be at the event (visit us at our stand or reply to the briefing to set up a meeting) and recommends ways to spend your downtime.

Litigation and arbitration lawyer Eric Borysewicz has joined Baker & McKenzie LLP as a partner in the Paris office, bringing with him a team from his old firm.

Almost a year after opening its office in Russia, Dechert LLP has hired Ivan Marisin, the former head of litigation and arbitration at Clifford Chance in Moscow, to lead its disputes work in the region.

An upcoming conference on arbitrator independence in Paris offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, including the confidential plenary court sessions.

Norton Rose LLP has added an insurance and reinsurance specialist to its international arbitration team in London, and promoted a Singapore-based arbitration associate to partner.

Gary B Born, chair of the international arbitration group at WilmerHale in London, has published a new edition of his book on drafting and enforcing dispute resolution clauses - including over 200 examples of arbitration and forum selection clauses.