Elizabeth Birch

Elizabeth Birch is a full time arbitrator and mediator with extensive experience in the international field, having sat as arbitrator since 1992, in both institutional and ad hoc arbitrations, and as mediator since 1996.

Before becoming a full time arbitrator and mediator in 2003, she practiced as a barrister for 22 years from 1980 specialising in maritime disputes, international trade, energy, insurance/reinsurance, contractual and commercial international disputes generally. As arbitrator she receives regular appointments from the main international institutions and is on the panels of LCIA, ICC, CPR for distinguished arbitrators and mediators (New York), ICDR/AAA (Main Panel and Oil & Gas Panel), LMAA, (London Maritime Arbitrator’s Association), SIAC (Singapore International Arbitration Centre); SCMA (Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitrators), KLRCA (Kuala Lumpur), BCC (Kolkata), SCIA (China), CIA (The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators) and ad hoc appointments.

First lady Full Member of The London Maritime Arbitrator’s Association (LMAA). Sits both as sole arbitrator and as a member of a panel of three and frequently as President/Chairman/Presiding Arbitrator. Cases are usually of a cross border nature, with an international flavour and involving parties from different jurisdictions, frequently involving complex issues, and high value disputes. Many involve technical issues requiring detailed expert evidence of a trade, engineering or scientific nature.

She has published a very substantial number of Awards over the last 25 years. Who’s Who Legal comments “Elizabeth Birch is a well-known disputes specialist with a wealth of expertise sitting as arbitrator in a diverse range of international cases.”

She was one of first barristers at the English Commercial Bar to qualify as a mediator in 1996. She has successfully conducted a very substantial number of mediations in commercial and cross border disputes including high value, technical and multi-party. She receives appointments from the ICC, LCIA, SIMI and other international panels. She was named as one of the top 10 mediators in UK in two surveys carried out by In Brief in 2002 and 2005 and recommended in Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession from 1998 - 1999 to date. Comments include: "gifted mediator"; "inspires confidence"; "gets results"; "the consummate professional"; "reliable and experienced performer"; "her gentle persona hides a solid steel intellect “; “grapples with the issues head on"; “[she has an] aptitude for exposing parties to the strengths and weaknesses of both sides without seeking to impose a view”; “very considered and commercial in her comments” and "meticulous in planning and very good on the day"; “she has that skill of getting people, despite their prejudices, to see that there is a better way forward for them and all parties”; “very patient, thoughtful and thorough”; “a very experienced mediator known for her non-preaching, reserved, supportive and gentle manner"; “she is well versed in domestic and international disputes often handling cases with high-value or multiparty aspects.” Who’s Who Legal puts Elizabeth in the “Most Highly Regarded” category.Back