The Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA), in collaboration with the Istanbul Arbitration Centre (ISTAC),
is organizing the first ASA Arbitration Retreat in Türkiye. This retreat, in the form of a practice
seminar, follows a format that ASA originally developed in 1997 and has since been used in annual
seminars co-hosted by ASA with other arbitration associations and institutions across Europe and
Asia.
The Format
Over the course of two days, the seminar consists of a series of sessions that cover the key phases of an
arbitration proceeding. Two discussion leaders – one with a civil law background and the other with a
common law background – guide participants through significant legal and practical issues that can arise
during an arbitration. These experienced practitioners use examples from real cases to illustrate
various issues and potential solutions. This approach fosters lively debates among discussion leaders
and participants, highlighting the diversity of experiences and methods in international arbitration,
promoting the exchange and development of new ideas and practices, and encouraging cross-cultural
awareness. The seminar will be conducted in English.
Who Should Attend
This seminar is not intended for true beginners; it is designed for those looking to further enhance
their knowledge and practice of international arbitration. Participants will benefit from the collective
experience and expertise of their peers, gained from various arbitration proceedings in different
jurisdictions. Instead of traditional lectures, the seminar encourages participants to contribute to the
discussions with their own experiences, questions, and ideas, facilitated by the discussion leaders.
Co-chairs
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Christopher Boog
Partner, Schellenberg Wittmer
Melissa Magliana
Partner, LALIVE
Franz Schwarz
Partner, WilmerHale
Discussion Leaders - For detailed information click here.
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Christopher Boog is a Vice-Chair of the International Arbitration Practice Group and co-heads Schellenberg
Wittmer's Sports Practice. He represents clients in complex international commercial, investment and sports
arbitration matter as well as in setting-aside proceedings before the Swiss Supreme Court. As well as being
the President of the Court for the Swiss Arbitration Centre he is also co-chair of the ASA Arbitration
Retreat.
Chris is ranked as one of a small number of Global Elite Thought Leaders by Who's Who Legal Arbitration
recognizing lawyers "at the peak of the profession". He is the 2020 recipient of the ASA Prize for Advocacy
in International Commercial Arbitration, awarded every two years to international arbitration counsel to
recognize exceptional advocacy in international arbitration. Chris is described as "one of the best in the
business", “one of the superstars in Switzerland”, and "definitely a leader in the field" (Who's Who Legal).
According to clients and peers, he is "outstanding", "just brilliant" and "one of the best advocates I have
ever seen" (Who's Who Legal). The same directory remarks that “Chris belongs among the best arbitration
counsel of his generation.” Other sources report that he is "brilliant and to-the-point" (Chambers Global)
and "has superb analytical and advocacy skills. He is admired for his ability to explain (orally and in
writing) complex technical or factual issues in simple terms" (Legal 500).
Melissa Magliana is a partner at LALIVE specializing in international commercial arbitration. She is also a
member of the Executive Committee of the Arbitration Court of the Swiss Arbitration Centre, where she acts
as Secretary to the Court, and a member of the board of the Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA), for which
she acts as co-chair of the ASA Arbitration Retreat.
Melissa also acts as sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and chair of arbitral tribunals and advises on other
forms of dispute resolution and related proceedings, such as mediation and international legal assistance.
Her expertise spans different industry sectors with a particular focus on highly complex construction and
engineering disputes as well as shareholder, partnership and joint venture disputes arising in a post-M&A
context.
Franz Schwarz specializes in complex multi-jurisdictional disputes and has extensive experience in arbitral
practice across civil and common law systems. He has participated in over 250 arbitrations as counsel and
arbitrator, including ad-hoc and major institutions like ICC, LCIA, Vienna, and Stockholm, focusing on joint
ventures, M&A, financial services, and corporate disputes.
He advises clients on conflict of law issues, international enforcement of arbitration awards, and protecting
foreign investments under bilateral treaties. Frequently serving as an arbitrator and chairman of arbitral
tribunals, Mr. Schwarz is listed with several major arbitral institutions. Mr. Schwarz is Vice President of
the Vienna International Arbitration Centre, a member of the ASA Board, and a designated member of the ICSID
Panel of Conciliators by Austria. He is also affiliated with the IBA, CIArb, LCIA, DIS, and the Swiss and
Austrian Arbitration Associations. He co-founded the ICDR Young & International Arbitration program and
served on its Executive Board from 2003 to 2007.
