On September 19, 2018, at the invitation of Dentons Beijing Dispute Resolution practice team, Adrian Hughes QC, judge, international arbitrator, chairman of the General Council of the Bar's China Law Council, and chairman of the UK Society of Construction Law, visited Dentons Beijing office and shared his thoughts over the theme of "Dispute Resolution under the background of Belt and Road Initiative".

Adrian Hughes started the practice of law in 1984, and was appointed Queen's Counsel. He sits as a part time judge of the Court of Appeal of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and as arbitrator in many international arbitration institutions. With extensive practice experience, Adrian first gave a comprehensive introduction of the British system of the legal profession, and discussed the differences between Chinese and British legal regime with the attendees. He then shared detailed experience on the main aspects of representing and managing international arbitration cases, including: the background of arbitration, the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration, the selection of commercial clients, the relationship between arbitration and court, the enforcement of international arbitration award, typical international arbitration procedures, evidence of arbitration (fact witnesses and expert witnesses), court proceedings and arbitration fees.

During this event, the attendees communicated with Adrian around the issues of Chinese lawyers' concerns, such as the selection of arbitrators, the application of law, evidence materials, fees and other arbitration procedural matters concerning Chinese parties. They also discussed the problems they encountered in the practice of international arbitration in recent years. The event was hosted by Mr. Zhu Yongrui, who sits as Arbitrator in the London Court of International Arbitration, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center, and the Vienna International Arbitration Center. Mr. Zhu has been working closely with lawyers and arbitrators in the UK and Europe. During this event, the issue of Chinese arbitrators participating in international arbitration was also explored.

This exchange aims to strengthen Dentons lawyers' interest and understanding of international arbitration business, and provide an opportunity for exchanging ideas with international lawyers, so as to help better develop international arbitration and other foreign-related businesses in the future.