As an independent practitioner, Dr. Kodo has acted as co-arbitrator in Investor-State disputes and as sole arbitrator and counsel in commercial and construction disputes.   In 2021, as a Consultant for the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility (co-funded by the European Union, the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH – GIZ, the British Council – BC, Expertise France – EF, and Stichting Nederlandse Ontwikkelingsorganisatie – Netherlands Development Organisation, SNV), Dr. Kodo revised ..read more

Could you elaborate on the key efforts and notable achievements you have made in this field? I started my legal career as a construction dispute resolution lawyer in China. Seeking to expand my expertise globally, I pursued master’s degrees at New York University and the University of London. These transformative overseas experiences not only enhanced my understanding of dispute resolution concepts but also provided valuable mentorship from pioneering professionals. Over my 23-year career as a cross-border dispute resolution lawyer, I’ve represented clients across more than 20 jurisdictions ..read more

What are the main areas of corporate crimes in Italy?   As per my experience, I would say bribery, tax and customs offences, financial crimes, bankruptcy, corporate offences, HSE crimes and money laundering. During the previous decades, the Italian criminal system has targeted the most dangerous and hateful forms of crime, thus identifying a public enemy to face and destroy. Therefore, we have witnessed “the war against mafia” between the ’60s and the ’70s, the fight against terrorism in the ’70s and ’80s (the so-called “lead years“); furthermore, from ’90s, the rise, increase ..read more

Whether it’s understanding property rights, tenant laws, or personal injury regulations, having the right guidance is crucial. One resource that residents can turn to is an attorney who is well-versed in local laws and can provide tailored legal advice and representation. Savannah, Georgia, is a city with a rich legal history and a dynamic legal environment. Its laws and legal protections are designed to ensure the safety, rights, and well-being of its citizens. From the intricacies of real estate transactions to the specifics of criminal law, understanding the legal framework is vital for ef ..read more

What type of firms and cases does K2 Integrity work with?  Our core clients have always been law firms, and this has not changed. However, the rise in litigation funding has seen the asset recovery market change to an extent. Without funding a case often does not get off the ground, so relationships with these funders is critical for us. Recent years have also seen a rise in the number of hedge funds moving into the litigation market and commoditising arbitral awards. By viewing these awards as tradeable assets and recognising them as an asset class which can offer very high returns on i ..read more

Interview with Richard Buxton: Pioneering Mediator Shares Insights Please share a brief overview of your journey in the field of civil and commercial mediation. I witnessed the horrendous stress, costs, and complexities of litigation early in my career. I experienced this even more personally in the early 1990’s as a father not being able to see his firstborn son and having to go through High Court litigation and the probation service (pre CAFCASS). I resolved professionally to explore other options. Firstly, I turned to arbitration and took an evening course in the City of London. I became a ..read more

An Interview with Brian Robison: Business-Litigation and Mediation in Texas One of the most interesting developments in commercial litigation is the way a new generation of mediators is using creative and business-minded approaches to resolving conflict. One of those taking a new approach to mediation is Brian Robison, a partner in Texas-based law firm Brown Fox PLLC. Given your background as a trial lawyer who represents large companies in a wide range of business-litigation matters, how did you decide to branch out into mediation and alternative dispute resolution? I made this transition fo ..read more

According to a December 2023 study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), litigation costs small businesses $160 billion in just one year. But what if we told you that you could resolve your business disputes without stressing over reputational and financial losses, all while saving time? That’s right—navigating complex business litigation can be easier with just a couple of key strategies and considerations suited for a modern enterprise like yours.  How? Continue reading to find out all about the importance of understanding the legal framework of busines ..read more

However, it is also an important aspect of financial planning. For those who are new to the world of investments, or if you don’t have the required knowledge base to make investments, then you might consider consulting an investment advisor. While most investment advisors pride themselves on their diligent work and ethical code, some are negligent and may lose you money on your investments. Even though the UK has a regulatory framework in place to provide guidelines on the expected relationship between an advisor and their client. But what happens when this relationship turns sour, can you su ..read more

To begin with, please tell us a little about your career and your experience in investment disputes and international arbitration. September 2023 marks my 20th anniversary at ICSID – time flies. As a Senior Legal Counsel at ICSID, I serve as secretary to tribunals, conciliation commissions, ad hoc committees and mediators in proceedings involving disputes spanning a variety of economic sectors and legal instruments. I also lead a team of ICSID counsel and paralegals handling ICSID dispute settlement proceedings. I further lead ICSID’s investor-state mediation activities, including the draftin ..read more