Government Experience

  • Canada—Chief of Staff to the Minister, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2003-2004
  • Canada, Province of Ontario—Special Assistant to the Minister, Ontario Ministry of Energy, 1988-1989; Special Assistant to the Minister, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, 1989-1990

Education

  • McGill University, B.A. (1987) joint honors, philosophy and political science
  • University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, Windsor, Canada, LL.B (1993)
  • University of Cambridge, Faculty of Law, Cambridge, U.K. (St. Edmund's College), LL.M. (1998)

Admissions

  • Barrister and Solicitor, Ontario, Canada
  • Licensed to practice as a Special Legal Consultant in the District of Columbia

Languages

  • French (Beginner)

Ian A. Laird

Partner
ilaird@crowell.com
+1.202.624.2879

When geopolitics leads to disputes, Ian A. Laird’s clients trust him for his extensive experience in international arbitration and under different treaty rules. Ian represents clients who are dealing with sensitive commercial and international disputes around the globe. With a keen eye for political risk, clients rely on him for his ability to respond quickly and efficiently when needs arise.

Ian is co-chair of the firm’s International Dispute Resolution Group. He frequently advises Fortune 500 corporations on geopolitical concerns when their investments face challenges overseas. He has worked extensively with clients involving issues in the energy and natural resources sector — such as power generation, oil and gas, and mining. As a former chief of staff to a Canadian cabinet minister and a senior political aide to the Ontario Minister of Energy, Ian has run political campaigns and understands the intimate workings of government and politics as well as their impact on industry.

Ian represents a range of clients and acts as an arbitrator in international arbitration proceedings, primarily involving disputes between corporations and foreign sovereign governments. For over 20 years, Ian has counseled parties in investment arbitrations under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement, the Energy Charter Treaty, and other international investment agreements, typically applying the arbitration rules of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and under the major international commercial arbitration rules. He is currently acting as counsel and arbitrator on numerous international arbitrations and disputes, most recently involving Egypt, Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Turkey.

Ian is a D.C.-licensed Special Legal Consultant based in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office.


Affiliations

Professional Activities and Memberships

  • Law Society of Ontario—Called to the Ontario Bar, and enrolled as a Solicitor of the Court of Appeal of Ontario
  • District of Columbia—Licensed to practice as a Special Legal Consultant
  • Ontario Bar Association (OBA)—International Law Section, Past-Chair, Section Executive Committee
  • Canadian Bar Association (CBA)—International Law Section, Past-Co-Chair, Trade and Investment Committee
  • American Bar Association (ABA)—International Law Section, Member
  • Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC)—Arbitration Committee and ICC Canada Roster of Arbitrators
  • Young Canadian Arbitration Practitioners (YCAP)—Founder and former Executive Committee Member
  • International Investment Law Center (International Law Institute, Washington, D.C.) (IILC)—Co-Director of Center
  • ILI Series on International Law, Arbitration and Practice (Juris Publishing)—Co-General Editor
  • American Review of International Arbitration (ARIA), Term 2019 – 2024—Advisory Board Member
  • UNCITRAL, Working Group III—Observer delegate representing the International Law Institute
  • Co-founder and co-chair of World Arbitration Update
  • Co-founder and co-chair of Washington Arbitration Week

Representative Matters

  • Representing the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission (APMC) regarding its NAFTA claim against the U.S. government for damages of at least $1.3 billion CAD concerning APMC’s lost investment in the Keystone XL pipeline (Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission v. United States).
  • Successfully defended a Fortune 100 company in a $120 million commercial arbitration claim brought by an Israeli company under the ICC Rules of Arbitration, involving alleged breaches of a supply agreement governed by New York law.
  • Appointed as claimant-appointed arbitrator in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Agreement Between The Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Government of Kyrgyz Republic for the Promotion and Protection of Investments (Garsų Pasaulis UAB v. Kyrgyz Republic).
  • Appointed to a three-member ICC Arbitration Rules panel in respect of a confidential multi-million dollar claim between Canadian and U.S. parties concerning a construction contract.
  • Represented a multinational joint venture in securing a $494 million award against an Egyptian state entity, and defeating a $500 million counterclaim, with respect to the unlawful termination of a contract to build a port in Damietta, Egypt. The arbitration was conducted under the ICC Rules of Arbitration. (DIPCO v. Damietta Port Authority)
  • Representing a Russian national in a $100 million UNCITRAL arbitration against the State of Kuwait. (Lazareva v. Kuwait)
  • Appointed as claimant-appointed arbitrator in an ICSID arbitration under the Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Slovenia for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, (Viaduct et al v. Bosnia and Herzegovina, ICSID Case No. ARB/16/36).
  • Appointed as claimant-appointed arbitrator in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Agreement Between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of India for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, (Aggarwal et al v. Bosnia and Herzegovina, PCA Case N° 2018-03).
  • Successfully defended a Middle Eastern client in a $40 million shareholder dispute with a Hong Kong claimant under the ICC Rules of Arbitration.
  • Represented an Egyptian respondent in an ICC arbitration respecting an $80 million supply agreement dispute.
  • Represented a Canadian uranium mining company in its dispute with the Government of Mongolia and secured an award of damages for US$100 million in respect of the illegal expropriation of its licenses in Mongolia. (Khan Resources Inc. v. Mongolia)
  • Represented an American gold mining company against El Salvador in an ICSID arbitration arising out of the government's improper refusal to issue various environmental licenses and an exploitation concession. (Pac Rim v. El Salvador)
  • Represented U.S. investors in a CAFTA-DR arbitration against the Government of the Dominican Republic relating to the expropriation of a residential and resort project (called "Jamaca de Dios") in the mountain region of central DR. (Ballantine v. Dominican Republic)
  • Acted as a Sole Arbitrator in an ICC supply agreement dispute between American and British parties.
  • Represented an Italian investor in a dispute against Lithuania in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Italy-Lithuania BIT. The dispute arose in relation to that State's unfair and inequitable treatment of the investor's investment in the country's alcohol industry. (Bosca v. Lithuania).
  • Represented an American-owned Kazakh investor against Kazakhstan in an ICSID arbitration under the U.S.-Kazakhstan BIT relating to the government's expropriation of the investor's oil production concession. (Caratube International Oil Company v. Kazakhstan)
  • Represented numerous U.S.-based, Fortune 500 clients to provide advice on international law and arbitration, in particular with respect to the application of NAFTA.
  • Acted as Sole Arbitrator in ICC contract dispute between American and Italian parties.
  • Represented American shareholders against the Government of Canada in a NAFTA claim. The main claimant, Mr. Marvin Gottlieb, was amongst the many U.S.-based investors who lost in excess of $5 Billion as a result of the Canadian Government's decision to eliminate the income trust tax mechanism with regard to Canadian energy trusts. (Gottlieb et al v. Canada).
  • Represented forty-two Texas claimants before the Superior Court of Ontario in the judicial review of a NAFTA tribunal's jurisdiction award concerning water rights in Mexico of U.S. based investors. (Bayview et al v. Mexico).
  • Represented a U.S. energy services company in a dispute before ICSID arising out of investments in Peru. Successful multimillion dollar final award rendered in 2008. (Duke Energy Peru Investments No. 1, Ltd. v. Peru).
  • Represented United Parcel Service (UPS) in a lengthy and complex NAFTA arbitration against the Government of Canada under the UNCITRAL rules. The dispute concerned alleged breaches by the government's crown corporation, Canada Post Corporation, with regarding to anti-competitive and discriminatory measures taken by Canada and Canada Post in the courier service market in Canada. (United Parcel Service v. Canada).
  • Represented two Canadian lumber firms against the U.S. Government in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the NAFTA. After the demise of the previous Softwood Lumber Agreement, Canadian lumber firms made strong allegations against the U.S. Government with regard to the fairness and impartiality of the U.S. Government's decisions concerning anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties on softwood lumber imports from Canada. Although the tribunal granted jurisdiction and leave for the arbitration to proceed to the merits phase, the intervening signing of the latest Softwood Lumber Agreement by Canada and the United States resulted in the settlement of the arbitration process. (Canfor Corporation v. United States, Terminal Forest Products Ltd. v. United States).
  • Represented a U.S. lumber company against the Government of Canada in an UNCITRAL arbitration pursuant to the NAFTA. Claimant sought compensation from the Government of Canada with regard to alleged breaches of the NAFTA obligations concerning expropriation, national treatment, and fair and equitable treatment. The claimant was ultimately successful on one part of its claim, receiving damages for the breach of the fair and equitable treatment standard under Article 1105, and was able to preserve its business in the face of arbitrary and discriminatory conduct of Canadian government officials. (Pope & Talbot, Inc. v. Canada).
  • Represented a U.S. investor in a NAFTA dispute with the Government of Canada under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. The tribunal awarded damages to the claimant for the discriminatory and protectionist conduct of Canada with regard to lost investments in the PCB waste remediation market in Canada. (S.D. Myers, Inc. v. Canada).
  • In one of the first NAFTA arbitration claims, Ian Laird represented the Government of British Columbia, Canada. This claim did not ultimately proceed to arbitration, but involved important early issues concerning water rights and the role of sub-national governments being subject to investor-state arbitration claims. (Sun Belt Water, Inc. v. Canada).


Insights

Speeches & Presentations

  • “Arbitration in Times of Conflict,” Tel Aviv Arbitration Week, Tel Aviv, Israel. (March 3, 2023). Speakers: Nimi Aviad, Lauren Blanchard, Mark Kass, Ian Laird, Stu Newberger, Uri Niv, Aryeh Portnoy, David Ramm, and Laurence Winston.
  • “Class or Collective Action in Arbitration,” Washington Arbitration Week (December 2, 2022). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • “The Environment, Climate Change, and Renewable Energies in International Arbitration: An Update on Merits and Quantum,” Washington Arbitration Week (December 1, 2022). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • “Working with Your Expert: How to Draft the Damages Section of a Memorial and Work with the Damages Expert in Preparation of the Hearing? (Practical Session),” Washington Arbitration Week (December 1, 2022). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The US will maintain its current BIT policy. It will not change even if the US loses the pending NAFTA cases; True or False?" Juris Conferences - Sixteenth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration: A Debate & Discussion, Washington, D.C. (October 14, 2022). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "ICSID Rules Amendment," World Arbitration Update Webinar, 2022. (September 30, 2022). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Dispute Resolution and the Ukraine-Russia Crisis," - School of International Arbitration, Queen Mary University of London, Webinar, 2022. (July 12, 2022). Speakers: Ian Laird and Mark Meyer.
  • “Komstroy, PL Holdings, Micula, Energy and Investment Arbitration in the EU and Worldwide”, Paris Arbitration Week Event (March 31, 2022). Panelist: Ian Laird.
  • "Reform in Investment Arbitration: New Developments at ICSID & UNCITRAL," International Law Institute Webinar, 2022. (February 9, 2022). Speakers: Ian A. Laird.
  • "North America: The End of NAFTA Chapter 11 – Transition from NAFTA to USMCA, the Final NAFTA Legacy Disputes, and the Future of US-Mexico Investment Disputes," World Arbitration Update (October 11, 2021). Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Better or worse? Comparing the new model BITs of India, Colombia, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands with their respective predecessors or older treaties," Juris Conferences – Fifteenth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (May 18, 2021). Panelist: Ian A. Laird.
  • "A look back at the Khan v. Mongolia Investment Arbitration," TCAS Wine and Cheese: Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society, (April 28, 2021). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The GAR Interactive Debate," GAR Interactive: BITs (January 21, 2021). Judge and Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Infrastructure Disputes and Claims of Corruption in International Arbitration," Washington Arbitration Week - 1st Edition (December 3, 2020). Moderator: Ian A. Laird; Speaker: Meagan T. Bachman.
  • "Fossil Fuel, Clean Energy and the Environment in International Arbitration," Washington Arbitration Week - 1st Edition (December 2, 2020). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Standards of Treatment, Advanced Investment Arbitration, Executive Education," Georgetown Law, ICSID and the ILI’s African Centre for Legal Excellence (November 19, 2020). Lecturers: Ian A. Laird and John Laird.
  • "Emerging Trends in International Disputes," ICC Qatar & Crowell & Moring Webinar (November 19, 2020). Speakers: Ian Laird, Laurence Winston, Randa Adra, and Tarek Saad
  • "Expropriation, Masterclass on Investment Arbitration, Executive Education," Georgetown Law, ICSID and the ILI’s African Centre for Legal Excellence (October 1, 2020). Lecturer: Ian A. Laird
  • "Investment Disputes and the COVID-19 Crisis - The View Ahead," ILI Webinar (June 4, 2020). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "True or False: The Time has Come to Outlaw Double-Hatting?" Juris Conferences – Fourteenth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2020). Panelist: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Tools for Turbulent Times: Force Majeure and Frustration," Crowell & Moring Webinar (May 7, 2020). Presenters: Ian A. Laird, Gordon McAllister, and Edward Norman.
  • "Back to the Future: Reflecting on the Past Decade of ISDS," Georgetown International Arbitration Month, Georgetown University Law School, Washington, DC (February 11, 2020). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • 2019 International Investment Treaties and Investor-State Arbitration, International Law Institute (December 2-13, 2019). Course Advisor and Faculty: Ian A. Laird.
  • "NAFTA Chapter 11 - Looking Forward While Glancing Backward," Canadian Council for International Law (CCIL) Annual Meeting, Ottawa, Canada (October 25, 2019). Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • Seminar and Book Launch for Chinese Translation of "Business Guide to Trade and Investment, Volume 2 - International Investment," ICC Publications (2018). Co-Editors: Ian A. Laird, Borzu Sabahi and Marat Umerov, Shanghai, China (September 24, 2019). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • Fourth Oxford University Press (OUP) Investment Claims Summer Academy, Saïd Business School, Oxford, UK (July 8-9, 2019). Conference Co-Chair and Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "From NAFTA to USMCA – What Is the Future of International Investment Protection for US Investors?" Crowell & Moring Webinar (May 28, 2019). Presenters: Ian Laird and Melissa Morris.
  • "What Will the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement Mean for NAFTA and Investor-State Arbitration?" 5th Annual GAR Live BITs Conference (May 16, 2019). Panelist: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Corruption After Establishment: Should it Disqualify Otherwise Meritorious Claims?" Juris Conferences – Thirteenth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (April 8, 2019). Panelist: Ian A. Laird.
  • Third Oxford University Press Investment Claims Summer Academy, Kellogg College, Oxford, UK (July 5-6, 2018). Co-Chair and presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • Book Launches for "Evidence in International Investment Arbitration," Oxford University Press: New York, New York, April 23, 2018, NYIAC; London, UK, July 4, 2018, Queen Mary College, University of London; Washington, DC, September 13, 2018, ICSID. Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Practical Strategies in the Arbitration of International Disputes involving State-Owned Entities," 2018 CIArb Conference, Washington, D.C. (April 3, 2018). Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Be Careful What You Ask For: Can Recent Changes to BIT Models Satisfy ISDS Sceptics and Opponents?" Juris Conferences – Twelfth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (March 6, 2018). Panelist: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Fall 2017 International Investment Law and Policy Speaker Series," Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, Columbia Law School, New York, NY (September 19, September 25, October 2, November 6, November 13, and November 20, 2017). Co-Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Double Trouble? Dealing Effectively with Parallel Court and Arbitration Proceedings in the Americas and Europe," ABA Section of International Law's 2017 Fall Conference, Miami, FL (October 26, 2017). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • Second Oxford University Press Investment Claims Summer Academy, Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, UK (July 6-7, 2017). Co-Chair and presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Evidence ... or the Lack Thereof: Dealing with Allegations of Corruption in International Arbitration," ABA-2017 Section of International Law Spring Meeting, Washington, D.C. (April 26, 2017). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Technology, IP and Investor-State Arbitration," Juris Conferences – Eleventh Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (April 25, 2017). Conference Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Corruption in Investment Arbitration," Georgetown International Arbitration Society, Washington, D.C. (April 5, 2017). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Khan Resources Arbitration," Stikeman Elliott at PDAC 2017, Toronto, Canada (March 6, 2017). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • Northwind's 2016 Mining Invitational Forum, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada (November 21, 2016). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Arbitrator Independence, Impartiality, and Disclosure Re-Visited," ICC Canada International Arbitration Conference, Toronto, Ontario (October 14, 2016). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Renewable Energy and Investment Arbitration,” Third Houston Annual Conference on Oil and Gas Investment Arbitration, Houston, TX (September 16, 2016). Conference Co-Chair and Panel Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Fall 2016 International Investment Law and Policy Speaker Series," Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, Columbia Law School, New York, NY (September 12, September 26, October 4, October 17, October 24, October 31, and November 7, 2016). Co-Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investment Issues - Trade Agreement Monitoring and Implementation,” Foreign Service Institute, Arlington, VA (July 27, 2016). Lecturer: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Transparency in Investment Arbitration," The Fifth Biennial Global Conference of the Society of International Economic Law (SIEL), Oliver Schreiner School of Law and Mandela Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (July 8, 2016). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Venezuela Update Webinar: Exchange Controls and Possible International Remedies to Recover Stranded Funds, and OFAC Sanctions," Crowell & Moring Webinar (June 22, 2016). Speakers: Ian A. Laird, Eduardo Mathison, Melissa Morris, David (Dj) Wolff, and Pedro L. Planchart.
  • “A Celebration of Ten Years of Leading-Edge Research, Debate and Discussion,” Juris Conferences – Tenth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (May 12-13, 2016). Conference Co-Chair and Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • “Hawai’i as the New Forum for Investor-State Arbitration in TPP and US-ASEAN?” Conference on Hawai’i: Catalyzing the US-ASEAN Partnership, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, Hawai’i (April 16, 2016). Lecturer: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investment Issues - Trade Agreement Monitoring and Implementation,” Foreign Service Institute, Arlington, VA (April 1, 2016). Lecturer: Ian A. Laird.
  • "TTIP and the Future of Investment Treaty Arbitration," Georgetown International Arbitration Month, Georgetown University Law School, Washington, D.C. (February 5, 2016). Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The Transpacific Partnership: Promise or Peril," Canada-U.S. Law Institute Distinguished Lecture, Western Law School, London, Ontario, Canada (November 16, 2015). Lecturer: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Fall 2015 International Investment Law and Policy Speaker Series," Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment, Columbia Law School, New York, NY (September 24, October 8, October 15, November 5, November 12, 2015; and February 4, 2016). Co-Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Ensuring Your Tribunal Has Jurisdiction," International Arbitration: Keeping One Step Ahead of Your Opponent, Crowell & Moring, Brussels, Belgium (October 29, 2015). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • First Annual Oxford Investment Claims Summer Academy, St. Anne's College, Oxford, UK (July 13-14, 2015). Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Alternative Means of Enforcement: Enforcing Commercial Arbitration Awards through Investment Arbitration," Harvard International Arbitration Conference, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA (April 10, 2015). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Spring 2015 International Investment Law and Policy Speaker Series," Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment, Columbia Law School, New York, NY (January 22, January 29, February 5, February 11, March 12, March 26, and April 2, 2015). Co-Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investment Treaty Arbitration and Natural Resources," Juris Conferences – Ninth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (February 26, 2015). Conference Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Corrupting Investor State Arbitration? The Role of Corruption Allegations in IIA Proceedings," Oxford University Press Investment Claims Webinar Series (February 20, 2015). Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "New Trends in Investor-State Dispute Settlement," Georgetown International Arbitration Month, Georgetown University Law School, Washington, D.C. (February 9, 2015). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Is the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties Dead in BIT Arbitration?" Oxford University Press Investment Claims Webinar Series (October 20, 2014). Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Arbitrators Perspective: The Conundrum: Quantification of Damages, and what is reasonably viewed as proven versus speculative," Juris Conferences – Third Annual Damages in International Arbitration Conference, New York, NY (October 6, 2014). Panelists: George D. Ruttinger and Ian A. Laird.
  • "Interim Relief in Investment Treaty Arbitration," 2014 Conference on Interim Measures in International Arbitration (APR) (April 24, 2014). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Spring 2014 International Investment Law and Policy Speaker Series," Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment, Columbia Law School, New York, NY (January 30, February 6, February 20, February 27, March 6, March 27, April 3, and April 10, 2014). Co-Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "New Developments in Investment Treaty Arbitration: A Return to Fundamentals?" Juris Conferences – Eighth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (March 28, 2014). Conference Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "ICSID Treaty Counterclaims: Requirements, Evolution of ICSID Cases and Investment Treaties," Georgetown University Law School, Washington, D.C. (February 12, 2014). Moderator: Eduardo Mathison; Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Protecting Israeli Investors and Industries Doing Business Overseas: International Investment Law and Investment Treaty Arbitration," Peres Academic Center and Crowell & Moring Conference, Rehovot, Israel (January 30, 2014). Presenters: Stuart H. Newberger, Ian A. Laird, Terry Rea, Jonathan S. Kallmer, and Claire Stockford.
  • "International Investment Agreements and Investor-State Arbitration," International Law Institute, Annual Two Week Program, Washington, D.C. (December 2-13, 2013). Course Advisor and Faculty Member: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The Mechanics of Third Party Funding of International Arbitration," YCAP Fall 2013 Symposium, in conjunction with ADR Institute of Canada and ICC Canada, Toronto, Ontario (October 24, 2013). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investor-State Dispute Resolution in the Energy Sector," Juris Conferences - Seventh Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (April 22, 2013). Conference Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Spring 2013 International Investment Law and Policy Speaker Series," Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment, Columbia Law School, New York, NY (January 31, February 14, February 28, March 7, March 14, March 28, April 4, 2013). Co-Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Remedies Alternative to Damages," Columbia Arbitration Day 2013, Columbia Law School, New York, NY (March 8, 2013). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Investment Agreements and Investor-State Arbitration," International Law Institute, Annual Two Week Program, Washington, D.C. (November 26-December 7, 2012). Course Advisor and Faculty Member: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Lifting the Corporate Veil: Investor Nationality and Denial of Benefits in Recent Investor-State Arbitral Awards," NYU Law School, Investment Law Forum, New York, NY (November 19, 2012). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "New Developments in International Arbitration: Regional Perspectives," ICC Canada 2012 International Arbitration Conference, Montreal, Quebec (October 26, 2012). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "NAFTA, CAFTA and Beyond? Investment Protection in the Americas," Juris Conferences - Sixth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (March 27, 2012). Conference Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Rebalancing the Investment Arbitration Regime: Implications for International Commercial Arbitration," Columbia Arbitration Day 2012, Columbia Law School, New York, New York (March 23, 2012). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Balance and International Investment Arbitration," University of Western Ontario Law School, London, Ontario (November 30, 2011). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Investment Agreements and Investor-State Arbitration," International Law Institute, Annual two week program, Washington, DC (November 7-18, 2011). Course Advisor and Faculty Member: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Law: Investor-State Arbitration in the Americas: Update on CAFTA and NAFTA," Joint Canadian Bar Association, ABA program, Toronto and Washington, DC webinar (October 13, 2011). Program Co-Chair and Moderator: Ian Laird.
  • "ILI and ICSID Discussion on Trends for Developing Countries in Investor-State Arbitration," CSO Forum at the World Bank, Washington, D.C. (September 23, 2011). Panelist: Ian A. Laird.
  • "NAFTA Practitioners' Perspective," U.S. - Mexico Chamber of Commerce conference titled “NAFTA: The Agenda for Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness” (May 19, 2011). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The Future of ICSID," Juris Conferences - Fifth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (April 5, 2011). Conference Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • International Law Institute, Annual two week program on "International Investment Agreements and Investor-State Arbitration" (November 1-12, 2010). Course Advisor and Faculty Member: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investment Arbitration in the Asia-Pacific Region," Juris Conferences - Fourth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2010). Conference Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Investment Arbitration Procedural Roundtable," ABA Section of International Law Spring Meeting, New York, NY (April 15, 2010). Program Chair and Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Reflections Upon the Idea of International Judicial Review," Professor Thomas Wälde Memorial Symposium, St. Andrews, Scotland (October 16, 2009). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "New Developments in Canada's Screening of Foreign Investments", Program of the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association and in cooperation with the American Bar Association, Washington, D.C. and Toronto, Ontario (September 29, 2009). Program Co-Chair and Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Canada-USA Border Issues: An New Bridge for Old allies", Joint Program of American Bar Association, Canadian Bar Association and Ontario Bar Association, Washington, D.C. (June 9, 2009). Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investor-State Dispute Resolution", Seminar on International Legal Issues presented to Government of the Republic of Colombia, Bogota, Colombia (June 5, 2009). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Interpretation In Investment Arbitration", Juris Conferences - Third Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference: A Debate and Discussion, Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2009). Conference Co-Chair and Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Standards of Treatment in International Law - Convergence or Confusion?" Investment Law and Policy Speaker Series, Vale Columbia Center, New York City (March 12, 2009). Speaker: Ian Laird
  • "International Investment Agreements," APEC Workshop, Faculty Member and member of organizing committee, Week 1: Singapore, May 5-9, 2008; Week 2: Washington, DC, November 3-7, 2008. (November 7, 2008). Faculty Member: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The question of precedent and role of arbitral decisions in international investment arbitration as a form of soft law," Conference: The Hard Edge of Soft Law: The Real Impact of Customary International Law and Soft Law in Canada?, Canadian Bar Association, Toronto, Ontario (October 23, 2008). Presenter: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investment Agreements and Arbitration: a Driver of Reforms or an Assault on Sovereignty," 18th Economic Forum, Krynica, Poland (September 12, 2008). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Second Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference: A Debate and Discussion," Juris Conferences, Washington, D.C. (April 25, 2008). Conference Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The Arbitration Request," Fourth Annual Seminar On International Commercial Arbitration: How To Handle Oil And Gas Industry Cases, American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. (October 9, 2007). Seminar Faculty Member: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The Emerging Jurisprudence of International Investment Law," 9th Investment Treaty Forum Public Conference, British Institute of International and Comparative Law, London, U.K. (September 14, 2007). Event Co-Chair: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Introduction to Investment Arbitration", Lecture to lawyer group from Zhejiang Province, China, International Law Institute, Washington, D.C. (August 24, 2007). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "National Treatment – Is Discriminatory Intent Relevant?" Juris Conferences - Investment Treaty Arbitration: A Debate and Discussion, Washington, D.C. (May 17, 2007). Moderator: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Canada's Bilateral Investment Treaties: Opportunities and Pitfalls for Canadians Doing Business Abroad," Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, Ontario (November 30, 2006). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Fifth Annual Arbitration Symposium, Mock Arbitration," International Chamber of Commerce - Canadian National Committee, Montreal, Quebec (October 27, 2006). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Introduction to International Investment Arbitration," Georgetown University Law School, Washington, D.C. (October 23, 2006). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Damages and Valuation in International Investment Arbitration," American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. (October 9, 2006). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Jurisdiction and Admissibility in Investment Arbitration," "Overlapping Contract & BIT Claims," and "Damages and Valuation in International Investment Arbitration," American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. (September-November, 2005). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Fourth Annual Arbitration Symposium," International Chamber of Commerce - Canadian National Committee, Toronto, Ontario (October 28, 2005). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Fair and Equitable Treatment: Emergency Exception/State of Necessity," British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL), Investment Treaty Forum, London, U.K. (September 2005). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investment Arbitration: Evolution or Revolution?" Investment Law Symposium, Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague (June 29, 2005). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Judicial Review of International Arbitral Awards," American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. (November 2004). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Washington Arbitration Week (3rd Edition)," Washington, D.C. ((November 28 - December 2, 2022)). Speaker: Ian A. Laird.

Publications

  • "Int'l Arbitration Will Be Key Contract Issue For Space Industry," Law360 (November 30, 2022). Authors: Werner Eyskens, Ian A. Laird, and Evelien Van Espen.
  • "Int'l Dispute Resolution Options For Investors In Russia," Law360 (April 4, 2022). Authors: Ian A. Laird, John L. Murino, Eduardo Mathison, and Leslie Castello.
  • "Investment Claims.com," Oxford University Press (online publication). Co-Founder, Chair, Editorial Advisory Board, and former Editor-in-Chief (2006-2017): Ian A. Laird.
  • "Besserglik v Mozambique: A Lesson in Returning to the Basics," ICSID Review - Foreign Investment Law Journal (2020). Authors: Rina M. Gashaw, and Ian A. Laird.
  • "NAFTA Update A Step Backward For US Investors," Law360 (May 9, 2019). Authors: Ian A. Laird, and Melissa Morris.
  • "Investment Treaty Arbitration and International Law," Volume 11, Juris Publishing (2018). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Business Guide to Trade and Investment, Volume 2 - International Investment," ICC Publications (2018). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird, Borzu Sabahi and Marat Umerov.
  • "Research Perspectives on International Investment Law & Arbitration," Brill Publishing (2018). Series Co-Editor in Chief: Ian A. Laird and Borzu Sabahi.
  • "Evidence in International Investment Arbitration," Oxford University Press (2018). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird, Frederick Sourgens and Kabir Duggal.
  • "The Reign Of Law In International Investment Decision-Making," OUPblog (October 19, 2017). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration and International Law, Volume 10, Juris Publishing (2017). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • Natural Resources and the Law of the Sea, Lawrence Martin, Constantinos Salonidis, Christine Hioureas, eds., International Law Institute: Series on International Law, Arbitration & Practice, Vol. 2, Juris Publishing (2017). Co-General Editors of Series: Ian A. Laird, Borzu Sabahi, Anne Marie Whitesell.
  • "Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, ISDS and the Belgian Veto: A Warning of Failure for Future Trade Agreements with the EU?" 12(4) Global Trade and Customs Journal 1676 (2017). Co-Authors: Ian Laird & Flip Petillion.
  • "TPP and ISDS: The Challenge from Europe and the Proposed TTIP Investment Court," 40(1) Canada-United States Law Journal 106 (2016). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Investment Law and Arbitration: 2014 in Review," Chapter in Andrea Bjorklund, ed., Columbia Yearbook On International Investment Law & Policy 2014-2015, Oxford University Press (2016). Co-Authors: Ian A. Laird, George D. Ruttinger, and James J. Saulino.
  • "CETA: A Revolutionary Change in Investor-State Dispute Resolution," Commercial Dispute Resolution (CDR) (April 29, 2016). Co-Authors: Ian A. Laird and David Wingfield.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration And International Law, Volume 9, Juris Publishing (2016). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • Interim and Emergency Relief in International Arbitration, Diora Ziyaeva, ed., International Law Institute Series on International Law, Arbitration & Practice, No. 1, Juris Publishing (2015). Co-General Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Creating Conduits: Summary Report of the First Annual Oxford Investment Claims Summer Academy, St. Anne's College (Oxford)" European Journal of International Law Blog (August 12, 2015). Authors, Ian A. Laird, Diane Desierto, and Frédéric G. Sourgens.
  • "International Investment Law and Arbitration: 2013 in Review," Chapter in Karl P. Sauvant, ed., Columbia Yearbook On International Investment Law & Policy 2013-2014, Oxford University Press (2015). Co-Authors: Ian A. Laird and Joanna Coyne.
  • "International Arbitration Is Changing Shape," Law360 (February 11, 2015). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Litigation Forecast 2015: What Corporate Counsel Need to Know for the Coming Year," a Crowell & Moring LLP publication (January 2015). Contributor.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration And International Law, Volume 8, Juris Publishing (2015). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "JV agreements and the dispute resolution clause: 5 useful points to consider," Inside Counsel (November 19, 2014). Co-Authors: Ian A. Laird and Randa Adra.
  • Revolution in the International Rule of Law: Essays in Honor of Don Wallace, Jr., Juris Publishing (2014). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Transparency in Investor-State Arbitration," OUPblog (March 3, 2014). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration And International Law, Volume 7, Juris Publishing (2014). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The EU Regulation on Bilateral Investment Treaties: A Victory for Certainty," Practical International Corporate Finance Strategies, Vol. 39, No. 1 (January 15, 2013). Co-Authors: Jonathan S. Kallmer, Laurent Ruessmann, and Ian A. Laird.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration And International Law, Volume 6, Juris Publishing (2013). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Investment Law and Arbitration: 2012 in Review," Chapter in Karl P. Sauvant, ed., Columbia Yearbook On International Investment Law & Policy 2012-2013, Oxford University Press (2013). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration And International Law, Volume 5, Juris Publishing (2012). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "How to Take Advantage of International Investment Agreements to Open Markets and Protect Investments," Law360 (September 24, 2012). Co-Authors: Jonathan S. Kallmer, Ian A. Laird, and George D. Ruttinger.
  • "International investment law and arbitration: 2011 in review," chapter in Karl P. Sauvant, ed., Columbia Yearbook On International Investment Law & Policy 2011-2012, Oxford University Press (2012). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Benefiting from the Investment Rules in a Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement," North American Free Trade & Investment Report, Vol. 22, No. 14 (July 31, 2012). Co-Authors: Jonathan S. Kallmer, Laurent Ruessmann, Ian A. Laird, and Christopher Wilson.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration And International Law, Volume 4, Juris Publishing (2011). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Investment Law Regime and the Rule of Law as a Precondition for International Development," chapter in Todd Weiler and Freya Baetens eds., New Directions in International Economic Law, Martinus Nijhoff (2011). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International investment law and arbitration: 2010 in review," chapter in Karl P. Sauvant, ed., Columbia Yearbook On International Investment Law & Policy 2010-2011, Oxford University Press (2011). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration And International Law, Volume 3, Juris Publishing (2010). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International investment law and arbitration: 2008/2009 in review," chapter in Karl P. Sauvant, ed., Columbia Yearbook On International Investment Law & Policy 2009/2010, Oxford University Press (2010). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • Investment Treaty Arbitration And International Law, Volume 2, Juris Publishing (2009). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Interpretation in International Arbitration - Through the Looking Glass," chapter in Jacques Werner and Arif Hyder Ali, eds., A Liber Amicorum: Thomas Wälde - Law Beyond Conventional Thought (2009). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Investment Treaty Law: Current Issues III," British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) (2009). Co-Editor: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Trends In International Investment Disputes: 2007 In Review", chapter in Karl P. Sauvant, ed., Columbia Yearbook On International Investment Law & Policy 2008/2009, Oxford University Press (2008). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Standards of Treatment in International Investment Law: The Move Towards Unification", co-authored with Todd Grierson-Weiler; and "Compliance and Enforcement in International Investment Arbitration", co-authored with Alan S. Alexandroff, chapters in Muchlinski, Ortino and Schreuer eds., The Oxford Handbook of International Investment Law, Oxford University Press (2008). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Fair and Equitable Treatment: Emergency Exception/State of Necessity," Chapter in Investment Treaty Law: Current Issues II, British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) (2007). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "International Legal Developments in Review: 2006 – International Arbitration," 41 The International Lawyer 251 (Summer 2007). Co-Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Finality versus Consistency: Does Investor-State Arbitration Need An Appellate System?" 7(2) Journal of Appellate Practice and Process 101 (2006). Co-Authors: Ian A. Laird and Rebecca Askew.
  • "Canada-China Investment - Catching the Dragon by its Tail," 10(2) The Globetrotter 5 (2005). Co-Authors: Ian A. Laird and Rajeev Sharma.
  • "Argentina's Flood of Investor-State Claims," 34(1) ABA International Law (2005). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Canada's Weakening of the International Rule of Law in the NAFTA Zone," Chapter in A. Alexandroff, ed., NAFTA Chapter 11: Balancing Private Interest and Public Purpose, C.D. Howe Institute/Munk Centre for International Studies (2005). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "MTD Equity Sdn. Bhd. and MTD Chile S.A. v. Republic of Chile – Recent Developments in the Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard," 1(4) Transnational Dispute Management (2005). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "A Community of Destiny - The Barcelona Traction Case and the Development of Shareholder Rights to Bring Investment Claims" and "A Distinction without A Distinction? An Examination of the Concepts of Admissibility and Jurisdiction in Salini v. Jordan and Methanex v. USA", chapters in T.Weiler, ed., Foreign Investment Law and Arbitration: Leading Cases from the 1CSID, NAFTA, Bilateral Treaties and Customary International Law, Cameron (May 2005). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Betrayal, Shock and Outrage - Recent Developments in NAFTA Article 1105," chapter in T.Weiler, ed., NAFTA Investment Law and Arbitration: The Early Years, Transnational Publishers (2004); and 3 Asper Review of International Business and Trade Law 185 (2003). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Judicial Review of Arbitral Awards," Globetrotter - Ontario Bar Association International Law Section Newsletter (2003). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Multilateralism In International Trade Relations: Who is More Committed - Canada or the United States?" 5(2) Cdn. Int. Lawyer 106 (2002). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The ICSID Convention: A Commentary," Book Review, Schreuer, Bus. Law Int. 264 (2002). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "The Nuts and Bolts of NAFTA Chapter 11 Arbitrations," chapter on procedure in international mixed arbitrations for Prof. L. Trakman et al. eds., Doing Business in Mexico, Part VI, Chapter 9, Transnational Publishers (2002). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "NAFTA Chapter 11 and Chicken Little," 2(1) Chicago Journal of International Law 223 (2002). Author: Ian A. Laird.
  • "Defining International Law: the FTAA, Spray tech, and NAFTA Chapter 11," Globetrotter - OBA International Law Section Newsletter (2001). Author: Ian A. Laird.

Client Alerts & Newsletters


Press Coverage


Firm News & Announcements

February 17, 2023 Chambers Ranks Eight Crowell Practice Groups and 15 Lawyers in 2023 Global Guide
June 1, 2022 Chambers USA 2022 Ranks 70 Crowell & Moring Lawyers and 37 Practice Areas Among Best in U.S.
May 26, 2022 Latinvex Names Crowell & Moring’s Ian A. Laird One of Latin America’s Top Lawyers 2022
March 31, 2022 Latinvex Names Crowell to List of Latin America's Top Law Firms of 2022
March 18, 2022 Chambers Ranks Seven Crowell Practice Groups and 13 Lawyers in 2022 Global Guide
November 23, 2021 Crowell & Moring International Dispute Resolution Lawyers Participate in Washington Arbitration Week 2021
July 20, 2021 Crowell & Moring Named to Global Arbitration Review’s 2021 “GAR 100” List
July 1, 2021 Crowell & Moring Partner Ian A. Laird Named One of Latin America’s Top 100 Lawyers
May 20, 2021 Chambers USA 2021 Ranks 63 Crowell & Moring Lawyers and 30 Practice Areas Among Best in U.S.
March 24, 2021 Latinvex Names Crowell & Moring as One of Latin America's Top Law Firms of 2021
November 30, 2020 Crowell & Moring International Dispute Resolution Lawyers Participate in Washington Arbitration Week 2020
November 19, 2020 Crowell & Moring and ICC Qatar Discuss Emerging Trends in International Disputes
May 22, 2020 Crowell & Moring Partner Ian A. Laird Named One of Latin America’s Top 100 Lawyers
December 6, 2019 Latinvex Names Crowell & Moring as One of Latin America’s Top Law Firms of 2020
September 24, 2019 Crowell & Moring’s Ian Laird Launches Book in Shanghai
February 28, 2019 Crowell & Moring Partner Ian Laird Recognized Among Latinvex’s "Top 100 Lawyers"
June 14, 2018 Crowell & Moring Partner Ian Laird Named to National Law Journal's Alternative Disputes Resolution 'Champions' List
April 26, 2018 Crowell & Moring Partner Ian Laird Co-Authors Book, Evidence in International Investment Arbitration
May 5, 2017 Crowell & Moring Featured in Global Arbitration Review’s 10th Annual "GAR 100" List
October 14, 2016 Crowell & Moring Named a Top Firm for Serving Latin America by Latinvex
March 22, 2016 Crowell & Moring Featured in Global Arbitration Review’s 9th Edition “GAR 100” List
March 18, 2016 Litigation Note: Khan Resources Inc. Announces Settlement of Arbitration Award
October 16, 2015 Crowell & Moring Named a Top Arbitration Firm in Latin America by Latinvex
January 13, 2015 Crowell & Moring Releases Third Annual Litigation Forecast Report and Inaugural Regulatory Forecast
September 4, 2014 Crowell & Moring Launches Israel Practice
July 1, 2014 25 Crowell & Moring Lawyers Recognized by The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers 2014
June 1, 2013 26 Crowell & Moring Lawyers Recognized by The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers 2013
January 17, 2013 Crowell & Moring Elects Seven New Partners and Promotes Twelve Attorneys to Senior Counsel and Counsel Positions
June 1, 2012 26 Crowell & Moring Lawyers Recognized by The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers 2012
July 1, 2010 28 Crowell & Moring Lawyers Recognized by The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers 2010
April 1, 2010 Crowell & Moring International Arbitration Practice Featured In Global Arbitration Review's Annual "GAR 100" List