Agenda

Interested in speaking? Contact Olivia Nardell at Olivia.Nardell@LBResearch.com

30 April 2026

9:00 am-9:30 am

Welcome Coffee and Registration

9:30 am-9:35 am

GAR opening remarks

9:35 am-9:45 am

Co-chairs’ welcome remarks

Ollie Armas
Ollie Armas Partner and Global Head of International Arbitration, Hogan Lovells
Joe Profaizer
Joe Profaizer Partner and Global Co-Head of International Arbitration, Linklaters
9:45 am-10:45 am

From deal to dispute: arbitration in life sciences M&A

Life sciences deals often involve complex earn-out structures, billion-dollar valuations, and cross-border considerations, making them fertile ground for disputes. This panel brings together dealmakers, counsel, and arbitrators to explore how arbitration is shaping the resolution of M&A disputes in this sector. From drafting pitfalls to jurisdictional and procedural choices, to recurring substantive issues, we’ll examine what’s driving disputes and how parties can mitigate risk in high-stakes transactions.

Thomas Walsh
Thomas Walsh Partner, Freshfields
Preeti Bhagnani
Preeti Bhagnani Partner, White & Case
James H. Carter
James H. Carter Independent Arbitrator, Carter Arbitration
Donald LeGower
Donald LeGower Senior Vice President – Litigation, Government Investigations, Employment and Policy Law, Bristol Myers Squibb
Daniel Schimmel
Daniel Schimmel Partner, Foley Hoag
10:45 am-11:15 am

Coffee break

11:15 am-12:15 pm

Patents, products, and problems: managing IP and device disputes

Intellectual property and medical devices sit at the heart of life sciences disputes, where cutting-edge technology meets complex contractual frameworks. This panel will explore how arbitration is being used to resolve IP and device-related issues in high-value transactions. From licensing and patent rights to regulatory hurdles and cross-border enforcement, discover the trends shaping arbitration in this critical sector.

Nicola Peart
Nicola Peart International Counsel, Three Crowns
Steven Bauer
Steven Bauer Arbitrator, WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre
Gregory Bell
Gregory Bell Group Vice President and Life Sciences Practice Leader, Charles River Associates
Hon Faith Hochberg
Hon Faith Hochberg Principal, Hochberg ADR
12:15 pm-12:50 pm

Keynote address

Doak Bishop
Doak Bishop Independent Arbitrator
12:50 pm-2:00 pm

Networking lunch

2:00 pm-3:00 pm

Big money, big moves: private equity and venture capital

Private equity and venture capital are fuelling breakthroughs in life science, but when billions are on the line, disputes can derail the most promising deals. This panel dives into the high-stakes world of PE and VC investments, exploring where issues arise and how they are resolved. From valuation battles to governance clashes and exit strategies, hear insider perspectives on managing risk and keeping deals on track.

J.P. Duffy
J.P. Duffy Partner, Bracewell
Scott Bass
Scott Bass Strategic Advisor and Founder, Scott Bass Life Sciences
Shaimaa Hussein
Shaimaa Hussein Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher
Benno Kimmelman
Benno Kimmelman Independent Arbitrator, Kimmelman Arbitration
Al Parker
Al Parker Managing Shareholder, GC Legal Advisors
Richard Manning
Richard Manning Managing Director, Secretariat
3:00 pm-3:30 pm

Coffee break

3:30 pm-4:45 pm

Ask the arbitrators

Curious about how international arbitration is shaping life sciences disputes? This session puts your questions front and centre. A panel of seasoned arbitrators with substantial experience in life sciences arbitrations will share candid insights on what’s working, what’s changing, and where improvements might be needed. Audience and moderator questions submitted in advance will drive a practical, forward-looking discussion.

John Fellas
John Fellas Arbitrator, Fellas Arbitration
Paul Friedland
Paul Friedland Independent Arbitrator, Friedland Arbitration
Hon. Gregory Sleet
Hon. Gregory Sleet Independent Arbitrator, JAMS
Conna Weiner
Conna Weiner Arbitrator, JAMS
Dana Welch
Dana Welch Independent Arbitrator, Welch ADR
4:45 pm-5:00 pm

Co-chairs’ closing remarks

Ollie Armas
Ollie Armas Partner and Global Head of International Arbitration, Hogan Lovells
Joe Profaizer
Joe Profaizer Partner and Global Co-Head of International Arbitration, Linklaters