International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP announced today that Peter Corne, managing partner of the firm’s Shanghai office, has been appointed to the panel of arbitrators of the Shanghai branch of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). Mr. Corne will serve in the areas of cleantech and renewable energy, environment, international inbound and outbound direct investment, mergers & acquisitions and international commercial contracts.
CIETAC is China’s foremost arbitration body, established in 1956 to help resolve business and trade disputes between Chinese and foreign parties. With the rise of China’s economy, and the challenges arising out of doing business in that country, CIETAC has become one of the world’s busiest arbitration venues. Arbitration can often be a better option in China than litigation, given the unfamiliarity of non-Chinese parties with Chinese courts.
Mr. Corne has lived in China for over 17 years and has a long track record of assisting U.S. and other international companies to establish and succeed there. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Corne said: ”Legal complexities, cultural differences and practical obstacles can make resolving disputes in China tricky. I look forward to helping businesses to reach fair and just settlements, and to continue their China business in the quickest and most cost-effective way”.