New York Arbitration Week 2026

International arbitration has traditionally relied on written witness statements, limited document production, and cross-examination at the hearing, with oral pre-hearing testimony generally treated as foreign to that model.

At the same time, as more cross-border disputes involve U.S. parties, U.S. counsel, and complex factual records, practitioners and tribunals are increasingly considering whether depositions could make fact-finding more efficient, narrow the issues before the hearing, and potentially facilitate earlier settlement.

On the other hand, there is concern that depositions could bring in the cost, delay, and adversarial tactics that parties often choose arbitration to avoid. The topic is particularly timely given the continued focus on balancing procedural efficiency with a thorough fact-finding process, and the broad discretion tribunals have to shape the procedure.

Moderator:

• Pedro José Izquierdo, Special Counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell

Speakers:

• Dustin Guzior, Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell
• Aníbal Sabater, Partner, Chaffetz Lindsey
• Caroline Richard, Partner, Freshfields
• Stephanie Cohen, independent arbitrator

For more information and registration, visit here.