This liber amicorum celebrates the 75th birthday of Michael E. Schneider, a leading ― indeed, iconic ― figure in the field of international dispute resolution and co-founder of the world-renowned law firm LALIVE. Michael’s creativity and dedication as counsel, as arbitrator, as academic, and as leader in numerous arbitral institutions and associations have inspired, and continue to inspire, arbitration practitioners from all around the world. The book is essentially a collection of ‘war stories’ written by practitioners who have worked with him or witnessed him in action at close range. Their aim is to share experiences and solutions found to challenging situations in practice, in particular in the context of arbitration hearings.
The essays highlight Michael’s boundless energy, creative thinking, and questioning of conventional ideas as we see him (for example) defusing unusual incidents before they grow unmanageable, dealing with counsel X’s delay tactics, and masterfully restoring reasonable balance and symmetry in the hearing room. There are valuable lessons here too about cross-examination methods and time management in arbitrating cases involving construction, industrial engineering and infrastructure projects, investment and other disputes involving states, natural resources (particularly oil and gas), environment, telecommunications, joint ventures, and more. Michael’s expertise in managing large and complex disputes and leading teams of specialists, including lawyers, from various fields and cultural backgrounds, shines forth as well.
In addition to the 30 contributed chapters, the volume also includes 16 witty and thought provoking messages prepared for the ASA Bulletin during Michael’s tenure as president of the Swiss Arbitration Association. This is a book not to be missed by members of the arbitration community worldwide. Both insightful and entertaining, it accurately conveys the truly exemplary practice of a master craftsman in the field of international arbitration.
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