Registrar Christopher Grout, who led the discussion, covered various topics, highlighting, in particular, the Court’s strengths and differentiating factors. He observed, “As this Court is established pursuant to the laws of the QFC, we have specific processes and procedural rules and regulations which are unique to the Court. For example, parties may conduct proceedings in English, in Arabic or in both languages with the assistance of the Court’s simultaneous interpretation facilities. Parties may present their own cases or be legally represented by a suitably qualified Qatari or foreign lawyer; it is entirely a matter for them. E-filing is encouraged and so, whilst we do accept the submission of pleadings, documents and other exhibits in hard copy, we promote the use of filing online as it is quicker, free to use, less time consuming and much more environmentally friendly.”
Students also had the chance to see the world-class technology offered at the QICDRC, which was emphasised by Mr. Grout: “The appropriate use of information technology is very important to us and to parties and their lawyers. Indeed, it is part of the Court’s Overriding Objective in ensuring that all cases are dealt with justly. . Providing state-of-the-art facilities helps save both time and money for everyone involved. Sometimes, a case can take place entirely virtually, through video conferencing which connects parties, witnesses, lawyers and judges all over the world, meaning that nobody has to be physically present at the Court itself.”
Following the talk, the students had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with Mr. Grout, where students were interested in knowing about the law the Court applied. Mr. Grout explained: “The starting point will generally be the QFC Law and QFC Regulations which cover a whole host of areas including employment, insolvency, data protection and financial services to name but a few. However, in accordance with the principle of freedom of contract, parties may have a governing law clause that stipulates, for example, that disputes arising out of their commercial contracts are to be resolved by the Court in accordance with a foreign law- for example English law or French law. In such a case, and subject to certain exceptions, that is the law the Court will apply.”
Dr Francis Botchway commented: “The students were very impressed and asked a lot of questions during the visit. The visit is part of the vibrant and practical teaching methods that students experience, which enables them to see or experience the law in action. I am thankful to QICDRC for welcoming us here.”
