International Investment Law and Dispute Resolution (Online Course)

Aims of the course

The aim of this course is to enable participants to understand the theory and practice of international investment law and dispute resolution. Although general knowledge of international law would be desirable, there is no such prerequisite for this course.

Participants will develop their own critical appreciation of international investment law and will cover the nature of international investment law, the main substantive and procedural principles, dispute resolution mechanisms and the current professional criticisms of the system.

All classes include infographics and engaging conversations with leading London-based practitioners and arbitrators working in the field of international investment law. Those who successfully complete all requirements will get a BIICL certificate.

Download the course study guide with detailed information. 

Featured practitioners and arbitrators

• Professor Yarik Kryvoi, BIICL (course leader)
• Suzanne Spears, Paxus LLP
  
• Professor Hussein Haeri KC, Withers LLP
• Stuart Dutson, Stephenson Harwood LLP
• Samantha Rowe and Patrick Taylor, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
• Maurice Mendelson KC, Blackstone Chambers
• Professor Phillippe Sands KC, 11KBW and University College London

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will:

1. have knowledge and understanding of the conceptual basis of international investment law
2. have an understanding of how the political, economic and legal factors shape international regulation of foreign direct investments
3. have an appreciation of how the main procedural and substantive principles of international investment law apply in practice
4. be able to select and apply the international and domestic rules on the regulation of foreign direct investments
5. appreciate the complexity of problems and legitimacy issues related to legal regulation of foreign direct investments and the system of ISDS.

Course curriculum

• Introduction to international investment law and dispute resolution
• Why do we need international investment law?
  
• Conflict of law issues in investment arbitration
• Fair and equitable treatment and arbitrary measures
• Substantive standards of international investment law: expropriation and denial of justice
• Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)
• Legitimacy challenges and reform of international investment law  

Course alumni

The course has been popular with practitioners, leading law firms and governments from around the world. Group discounts were provided upon request to:

• Allen & Overy
• Baker Botts
• Clifford Chance
• Debevoise & Plimpton
• Linklaters
• Ministry of Economy, Government of Mexico
• Trade Law Bureau, Government of Canada
• Other firms and institutions

Testimony from alumni

"The quality of course material, the high profile professionals involved, including practising arbitrators, lawyers and counsels exceeded all my expectations about the course. I am extremely grateful."

"The topics were comprehensively explained, and the resources were very good - given that they gave the opportunity for further reading."

"It was a very good course in that it taught me the basics but also followed through on certain principles in a more in depth analysis and understanding. I feel like I have a very good grasp on the key principles and an understanding of the more difficult to understand concepts."

"I would recommend it as a relatively cheap way to keep engaged academically."