36 Stone

From deepfakes to bias, intellectual property, and procedural fairness, the growing presence of AI presents uncharted territory for lawyers. As we grapple with this rapidly evolving technology, the challenges become clear: how can legal frameworks be applied to something so new and complex?   We are pleased to announce Paul Schwartfeger’s upcoming video series, Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Legal Frontier, launching Wednesday the 9th of October.   Paul, a leading commercial litigator with a background in tech, offers unique insights into how AI is reshaping the legal landscape. Bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and traditional legal principles, Paul’s expert analysis delves into some of the critical issues that will influence the future of AI and the law.   To be notified of the first video, sign up to the 36 Stone Newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/ePpkNnve

Reiss Nott delivers the latest highlights from a busy, booming month at 36 Stone!

The Chambers UK 2025 Bar Directory has been released and we are proud to share that 36 Stone has once again been ranked.   Our barristers have achieved 12 individual rankings across Administrative and Public Law, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance, and Shipping & Commodities, in which we also secured a ‘Recommended Set’ ranking.    Congratulations to our barristers whose hard work garnered this recognition; and thanks to our clients and the researchers for the feedback that reflects so well on our team! To read our rankings in more detail, click here: https://lnkd.in/eXnsfBz9

Episode 2 of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Legal Frontier is here!   In Episode 1, Paul Schwartfeger considered the challenge of defining AI, highlighting how difficult it is to find a definition that is both sufficiently targeted and future-proof. Now, in Episode 2, we dive deeper into the terminology and concepts that can help practitioners navigate these complexities.   In this episode, Paul tackles high-level AI concepts and key terms including pattern recognition, generative and discriminative systems, and hallucinations, so that, with a firmer understanding of some AI fundamentals, legal practitioners can assess, on a case-by-case basis, whether a particular technology might be regulated as AI.   Watch it below!   For further analysis of the key takeaways from the first episode, click here: https://lnkd.in/e-mQ6vAU

It is with great pleasure we share that Dr Colin Ong KC has been reappointed as an Expert Member of the International Commercial Expert Committee of the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China, for a new 4-year term.    As part of this momentous occasion during the China Arbitration Summit 2024, Dr Colin Ong KC participated as a panellist in the 4th session: “Innovation in the digital era: AI’s application in dispute resolution and its outlook.” Alongside him on this panel discussion were esteemed speakers: Director of CRCICA Dr Ismail Selim, Mr Christopher Campbell-Holt, Ms Sun Funhi, Mr Liu Xiaochun, Mr Danny Patrick McFadden, Judge Du Weike, and Moderator Dr Anthony Neoh.   Congratulations to Colin on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work on international arbitration. Read his profile here: https://lnkd.in/e4gnSnfa

In a significant ruling handed down on 30 September 2024, the Court of Appeal dismissed Isabel dos Santos' appeal against a worldwide freezing order and costs awarded in favour of Unitel S.A. Reaffirming that a "good arguable case" remains the standard, and that it equates to "serious issue to be tried", the Judgment provides crucial clarity on the merits threshold for freezing injunctions.   Bethany Smith examines the key takeaways in her latest article, “Clarity on the Merits Threshold for Freezing Injunctions: the Court of Appeal in Isabel dos Santos v Unitel S.A.”.   Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eDj6gEWm

In the present-day landscape, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is as divisive as it is inescapable, with some heralding this developing technology as the saviour of mankind, and others, as its demise. With every new benefit this technology brings, it seems there is a corresponding challenge or disadvantage; begging the question, how do we begin to regulate AI?   Paul Schwartfeger seeks to answer this question in his new 6-part series, Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Legal Frontier.   In this first episode, Paul covers the fundamental questions necessary for understanding AI in a legal context; How can we define AI, and distinguish it from other systems? Can we always recognise when it is in use?   Join Paul on this insightful journey, which promises surprises along the way. To sign up to be notified of upcoming episodes, follow the link here: https://lnkd.in/ePpkNnve

We are pleased to share that Charles Debattista will be speaking at the ICC Arbitration Annual Arbitration & ADR Conference on 24th October 2024.   Charles will speak in a session exploring whether the international arbitration system is too prone to abuse, following the criticism in Nigeria v P&ID. Key topics include corruption, party mismatches, and the adequacy of court challenges to arbitration awards.    This is a two-day event, featuring insightful discussions that span the full spectrum of Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution. For more information and to book tickets, click here: https://lnkd.in/gmak4xEh

We are very happy to share that 36 Stone has ranked once again in the Legal 500 Directory.   We are proud to have achieved over 20 rankings, which includes 8 new barrister rankings in the 2025 Directory, with set rankings in Shipping, and Commodities. We also have individuals ranked in International Arbitration (as Counsel and as Arbitrators), Banking & Finance, Administrative Law & Human Rights, and Sanctions.      The Legal 500 Directory highlights the best in legal excellence, and we’d like to congratulate our members and all ranked barristers on their success. Our deepest thanks to our clients who took the time to provide feedback on our behalf, and to the researchers for acknowledging the hard work of our set. Click here to read the rankings: https://lnkd.in/gzxsPxNn

Rachel Toney appointed as Junior Counsel to the Tribunal in landmark hearing to determine whether secret monitoring of journalists to identify sources was unlawful. This case is seen as a test case on press freedom in the UK and whether current legal safeguards are sufficient and effective.    Rachel is currently acting in several groundbreaking and high profile cases dealing with issues of national security and has been shortlisted for Human Rights and Public Law Junior of the Year by Chambers & Partners.    Read more on the case here: https://lnkd.in/eYSnN4Pz