9th Annual USC-JAMS International Arbitration Symposium with CalArb, ITA and CAM: Arbitration in the Pacific Rim

• Laura C. Abrahamson, Esq., C.Arb, FCollArb, International Arbitrator & Mediator, JAMS 

10:45 AM–11:45 AM – Session 2 – JAMS & USC Panel

Sanctioned or Not? Navigating Trade Sanctions and Arbitration in a Volatile World

From Washington to Brussels to Beijing, the growing use—and unpredictability—of trade sanctions is disrupting global commerce and complicating dispute resolution. In this session, speakers from the United States, Germany, and Hong Kong will explore how international arbitration is being tested by a constantly shifting sanctions landscape. Whether targeting entire sectors or specific entities, sanctions can raise thorny issues around enforceability, arbitrability, and compliance—sometimes mid-proceeding. This panel will examine recent developments affecting parties operating across the Pacific Rim, including extraterritorial application of sanctions, EU blocking statutes, and risks of enforcement refusal on public policy grounds. Panelists will discuss how tribunals are addressing these complexities in real time, and what counsel can do to build flexibility into contracts and proceedings. With legal norms increasingly outpaced by political developments, this session will spotlight practical strategies for navigating uncertainty while upholding fairness, due process, and commercial predictability in the arbitral process.

• Giuseppe De Palo, Esq., International Mediator & Arbitrator, JAMS – New York

Speakers:

• Lisa Richman, Partner, McDermott Will & Schulte – Washington, DC
• Carsten Wendler, Partner, Freshfields – Frankfurt
• Yan Zhang, Partner, Sidley & Austin – Hong Kong 

11:45 AM–12:45 PM – Session 3 – CAM Panel

Recalibrating Risk: Arbitration and Enforcement in the New Mexico

As Mexico continues to evolve as the United States’ top trading partner—particularly in energy, automotive, and commerce—its legal and regulatory landscape is undergoing significant change. Recent developments after the judicial election, upcoming changes in the energy policy and tariff enforcement are reshaping the risk profile for cross-border contracts and disputes. These shifts are especially relevant for companies and counsel operating along the U.S.–Mexico corridor, including California and the border states. This panel will explore how these legal and policy changes are influencing arbitration practice, from renegotiation of dispute resolution clauses to enforcing awards. Panelists will address the impact of Mexico’s proposed reforms, ADR legislation changes, the growing complexity of energy and trade disputes, and the role of local courts in arbitration-related proceedings. 

Moderator:

• Frida Altamirano, Secretary General, CAM – Mexico City

Speakers:

• Alejandro García,  Partner, Hogan Lovells – Monterrey
• Santiago Escobar, Partner, Bufete Asali – Mexico City
• Marco Molina, Partner, Baker Hostetler – Orange County 

1:15 PM–2:00 PM:

Keynote & Sixth Annual Dorothy Nelson Lecture Address

• Laura C. Abrahamson, Esq., C.Arb, FCollArb, International Arbitrator & Mediator, JAMS – Los Angeles

Speakers:

• Peter Durning, Senior Counsel, Boeing – Los Angeles
• Rana Kawar, Senior Counsel, Chevron – San Ramon, CA
• Carolina Núñez, Head of Legal & Compliance, BayWa r.e. Americas – Irvine

3:15–4:15 PM: Session 4 – ITA Panel

Navigating Complexity: Arbitration, Innovation, and Legal Reform in Latin America

Latin America continues to be a dynamic and diverse landscape for international arbitration, where legal reform, institutional innovation, and shifting political priorities are reshaping how disputes are resolved. From Brazil’s evolving jurisprudence on arbitrator independence, to Mexico’s proposed updates to its ADR framework, to judicial modernization in Colombia and Chile, the region is experiencing both convergence with global standards and the emergence of distinct local approaches. This panel will explore how these legal and institutional changes intersect with increasing foreign investment from both the United States and Asia, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, mining, and technology. Panelists will examine the implications of regional legal reforms for cross-border transactions, investor-state disputes, and commercial arbitration involving U.S. and Asian parties. Special attention will be paid to how counsel can navigate the intersection of global arbitration norms with evolving local procedures, offering comparative insights and strategic guidance for managing disputes across the Latin American region.