Technical Arbitrators – Do we need them?

Introduction

On behalf of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Singapore), HKA invites you to join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the world of technical arbitrators.

Have you ever wondered about the advantages and challenges of selecting a technical arbitrator for your dispute? Or perhaps you’re curious about how to select the right technical arbitrator for your case?

Our panel of legal and technical experts will explore these topics and more in a lively and informative session. Don’t miss your chance to gain valuable insights into this critical aspect of the arbitration process.

Programme

5.00pm to 5.30pm: Registration
5.30pm to 6.30pm: Panel Session with Q&A
6.30pm to 7.30pm: Networking Reception kindly hosted by Harry Elias Partnership LLP

HKA Speakers

Maximilian Benz
Director, HKA
E: maximilianbenz@hka.com

Maximilian Benz is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and an experienced Contracts Manager with over ten years’ experience which includes working for professional quantity surveying consultancies with contractors and developers.

In the last six years, Maximilian has layered this experience with expert witness and claims work for quantum matters in formal disputes. Maximilian has developed considerable knowledge having worked on a number of iconic construction projects globally. These projects range from office fit out projects to multibillion-dollar funded airports.

He has managed commissions to determine the contractual basis for claims, conducting forensic analyses of project data and accounts to determine the quantum (value), undertaking contract review and drafting reports for the defence and implementation of claims and expert determinations. Maximilian’s areas of expertise cover claims management, commercial management, risk management, quantum analysis and assessment, capital project advisory, estimating, tendering, contract advisory and post contract administration.

Michael Tonkin
Partner, Construction, Claims and Expert Services Lead, Middle East, HKA
E: michaeltonkin@hka.com

Michael Tonkin is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Arbitrator, RICS Accredited Expert Witness and CEDR Accredited Mediator with over 30 years of construction industry experience. He is an effective dispute resolver and has acted as quantum expert on more than 40 occasions.

Michael has been a party appointed expert witness, a single joint expert witness and a third-party expert evaluator. He has given oral testimony in traditional cross-examination as well as concurrent evidence (hot-tubbing) in international arbitrations, in Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. Michael often acts as ‘coordinating expert’ across several disciplines of expert.

Michael regularly provides commercial advice on formal dispute resolution, dispute avoidance and procurement. He is adept in many of the major standard forms of contract and has been employed by government bodies, large private companies, contractors and subcontractors to advise on commercial matters and procurement.

Michael has extensive experience of commercial negotiations in major projects, particularly where bespoke contracts and innovative methods of procurement have been used. With a background in cost management, he specialises in commercial management, contract management, negotiation, risk management, third party financial reporting and strategic advice. His project experience ranges from major infrastructure and buildings across the Middle East, UK and Asia; power and water in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe; and oil and gas projects in the Middle East and Australasia.

Michael has been appointed as arbitrator on more than 60 occasions (as sole arbitrator, chairman of a tribunal of three, and co-arbitrator) under the auspices of ICC, LCIA, DIAC, ADCCAC and the TAI. He regularly participates in other alternative dispute resolution processes such as adjudication and dispute adjudication boards (DABs). Michael is a trustee and honorary treasurer of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a past chairman and past vice chairman of the UAE branch.