Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer takes active role at ICCA Congress in Madrid

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has been proud to participate in the 27th International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) Congress in Madrid this week, joining the global international arbitration community for three days of substantive discussion, reflection, and connection from 13 - 15 April 2026.

The Congress, held under the theme "International Arbitration: Local, Global or Both?", brought together practitioners, academics, arbitrators, and institutions from across the world. HSF Kramer was well represented at the event; colleagues spanning our offices across the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East made the journey to Madrid, reflecting the truly global footprint of our international arbitration practice and our enduring commitment to the community that shapes it. It follows recent successful Congresses in Edinburgh and Hong Kong. 

London / New York partner Christian Leathley took to the stage as one of the Congress's speakers, on the panel "Right to Regulate – ESG & Climate Change", a fitting recognition of his standing in the field and of the firm's broader contribution to the development of international arbitration.

On Monday evening, colleagues, clients, and friends of the firm gathered at our Madrid office for a networking reception that proved to be one of the highlights of the week. The event brought together practitioners from across jurisdictions and institutions to continue the conversations from the Congress itself. 

The firm was also a proud sponsor of the Congress's 'Fiesta de Inclusión', a vibrant celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion hosted by ICCA’s Inclusiveness Committee. The Fiesta brought together members of the international arbitration community and representatives from DEI organisations to connect, celebrate, and show our support for DEI in international arbitration.

Global Co-Head of Arbitration Andrew Cannon commented: "Madrid has emerged as a city that sits confidently at the intersection of 'local and the global' and hosting the ICCA Congress has underscored its growing status as a hub for international arbitration". 

Global Co-Head of Arbitration Simon Chapman KC added: "With strong institutional infrastructure, deep ties to Latin America, and a vibrant legal community, this was an important moment for the city on the world arbitration stage. Our thanks to the team in Madrid for their generous hospitality".