Originally from Pro-Arbitration Revisited: A Tribute to Professor George Bermann from his Students Over the Years

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I. A TRIBUTE

First, a word of gratitude.

Professor George Bermann is a leading light in the field of international arbitration and an infallible source of academic guidance for practitioners and scholars worldwide. His authoritative legal texts, amicus briefs, lectures, and keynote speeches are remarkable in their clarity and precision. His unwavering efforts to further the development of international arbitration as a fair, effective and efficient means of dispute resolution have been recognized far and wide. His role as Chief Reporter for the American Law Institute’s Restatement of International Commercial Arbitration is, in itself, a clear testament of the esteem in which he is held in the legal community and beyond.

To his present and former students and research assistants, Professor Bermann is an inspiration. Particularly to those arriving in the U.S. from foreign jurisdictions, he is the beacon we need in unfamiliar waters: a towering intellect combined with a warm, approachable, engaging manner that encourages, guides, and stimulates. The debates, thoughts, ideas, and ideals remain with us long after class. And so, we begin our contribution to this tribute with a simple but sincere expression of gratitude.

Thank you, Professor Bermann.

II. THE “PRO-ARBITRATION” IDEA: BRAZILIAN STYLE

Professor Bermann’s article “What Does it Mean to Be ‘Pro-Arbitration’?” is essential reading for those engaged in promoting recourse to alternative dispute resolution. The author invites his readers to ponder the legitimacy and efficacy of international arbitration viewed from the perspective of the relevant policy and practice considerations.