Recent discussions among arbitration practitioners, including those held during the LATAP roundtable at Paris Arbitration Week hosted by Accuracy, have highlighted several underlying shifts shaping international arbitration in the Latin American context.
One key development is the growing role of Spanish in arbitration proceedings. While English continues to dominate, accounting for more than 80% of international cases, there is a steady increase in arbitrations conducted in Spanish. This trend reflects the global weight of the language, with over 500 million native speakers, and points toward a gradual rebalancing in how proceedings are conducted.
Another important dimension lies in the strengthening of transatlantic professional networks. Initiatives such as LATAP (Latin American Arbitration Practitioners) play a central role in connecting lawyers based in Europe with strong ties to Latin America. By facilitating exchanges, collaboration, and opportunity creation, these networks contribute to a more integrated arbitration community.
Taken together, these dynamics illustrate a progressive evolution of international arbitration, influenced by linguistic diversification, regional developments, and closer cooperation between Europe and Latin America.
Experts interviewed:
- Alberto Fernández Revenga – Partner, Accuracy, Spain
- Yael Ribco Borman, Counsel, GBS Disputes, France