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

Preview page

In reflecting about Professor Bermann’s legacy, one cannot help but think of all of the law students that he has inspired to become international arbitration practitioners.  Every year, swaths of Columbia Law School students enroll in the various courses on international arbitration held by Professor Bermann.  And we ourselves have been lucky enough to attend International Commercial Arbitration, the International Arbitration Practicum and Investment Law and International Arbitration. 

International arbitration is a fascinating practice.  Many law students fall in love with it when they first learn about it, inspired by its internationality and its relevance on international affairs.  Many students are also fascinated by the international arbitration community, which encompasses inspiring practitioners from all over the world.  However, in falling in love with the practice, it is easy for law students to become too wielded by it, and start considering themselves as “pro-arbitration,” without giving too much thought about what that actually means, and what its implications are.