The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (“QICDRC”) has hosted an international commercial arbitration moot at is premises in Doha. The moot, which takes the form of a mock piece of advocacy, was presided over by three prestigious judicial arbitrators- Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers (the President of the QICDRC and a former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales), Justice Frances Kirkham (a judge of the QICDRC) and Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani (a retired former Chief Justice of Pakistan).
Professor Khawar Qureshi QC of Qatar’s McNair Chambers, along with a team of 3 lawyers, presented oral argument on disclosure of documents in a case concerning an alleged breach of contract over the sale of mobile phone covers. The lawyers were questioned at length by the arbitrators during the moot and there followed a lively question and answer session which afforded those who had attended to spectate an opportunity to ask questions of the arbitrators and the lawyers.
Speaking after the moot, the Registrar of the QICDRC, Christopher Grout, said “Unlike most court cases, arbitrations are generally conducted in private and thus the general public are excluded. This moot has provided an invaluable opportunity for those who have attended to witness a glimpse of the types of argument which take place during arbitral proceedings. Because of the presence of an esteemed arbitral tribunal, as well as the excellent quality of the advocacy performed by the lawyers, this has been a first class demonstration. The unique opportunity afforded to the guests to ask questions of all of the participants has resulted in some excellent discussion.”