Volterra Fietta

The partners of Volterra Fietta have sent the following message to all staff at the firm: "We have all read about and seen images of the recent rioting in the UK that has been attributed to ‘right-wing’ political groups.  It seems that these activities have come to include violence against the persons and property of people from visible and other minority groups.  It is appalling that such things should come to pass and it is intolerable that they continue. It appears that all or most of the ‘rioting’ has occurred outside London.  Nonetheless, should any of you feel concerned about travelling to or from the office over the coming days, please speak to one of the partners or management staff about it and you will be permitted to work from home (subject to any client in-person obligations; if any apply to you, these can be discussed and managed).  This will apply for as long as the rioting continues and we will trust you each to exercise appropriate judgment about your personal situation. Volterra Fietta proudly strives to uphold the rule of law and this ‘rioting’ is an offence to that principle.  The firm is proud of and appreciates the contributions of everyone on the VF team.  Team members come from all corners of the world and profess the widest variety of points of view, faiths, beliefs and other personalised traits; together, our diversity makes us stronger for our clients and for each other."

Volterra Fietta partner Professor Robert Volterra was recently commissioned by The Times to publish an article on the Antarctic Treaty system and its environmental protocols. The article, entitled ‘The Antarctic mining ban could be in danger’, was published on 27 June 2024.  It examines the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, which suspended competing territorial claims by the UK, Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand and Norway.  Due to the southernmost continent’s rich mineral content, countries such as the US, Russia and China have argued that these seven countries should not be the only ones to have territorial rights in the Antarctic. With new exploration technology being used by Russia and China in the continent, much attention has turned to how the Antarctic Treaty system is neither universally agreed upon nor comprehensive in what it regulates. Countries have until 2048 to resolve this matter.  Professor Volterra provides insights on what models States could rely on to agree upon a multinational treaty that will benefit a number of parties. The full article below.

Volterra Fietta partners Professor Robert Volterra and Ahmed Abdel-Hakam were recently invited to speak at Leiden University at the conference ‘Counterclaims in International Law’. Speakers at the conference covered a wide range of issues arising out of counterclaims. Professor Volterra shared his experiences in creating and implementing practical litigation tactics in State-to-State disputes in which issues of counterclaims and set-off are relevant.  Ahmed shared his experiences in deploying counterclaim and set-off arguments in investment treaty claims brought under the Organisation for the Islamic Conference Investment Agreement. Many thanks to Leiden University and Jason Rudall for hosting this conference, in collaboration with Dr Tibisay Morgandi and QMUL School of Law.

Partner Robert Volterra was recently quoted in the Financial Times's Sustainable Views section for comments on sustainable lithium production and business and human rights. Read the full article below.

On 30 May 2024, Volterra Fietta partners Robert G Volterra and Ahmed Abdel-Hakam gave a practical training session at the National Centre for the Sea and Maritime Law, "DEHUKAM", in Ankara, the Republic of Türkiye. The Volterra Fietta partners shared practical insights with participants, drawing on their experience of more than 30 years advising States around the world in negotiating and litigating maritime boundary disputes. The training covered such topics as: how to connect abstract legal theories with critical facts and complex evidence; how States can prepare effectively for negotiations and litigation; and the use of professional litigation tactics and strategies for litigating maritime boundary disputes before international courts and tribunals.  Thank you to Dr Mustafa Başkara for the kind invitation to speak at DEHUKAM.

The Times article on the much-anticipated judgment in Argentum Exploration Ltd (Respondent) v Republic of South Africa (Appellant) [2024] UKSC 16.

On 8 May 2024, the UK Supreme Court handed down a much-anticipated judgment in Argentum Exploration Ltd (Respondent) v Republic of South Africa (Appellant) [2024] UKSC 16. It unanimously granted State immunity to South Africa. Bloomberg interviewed Robert Volterra, of Volterra Fietta and an expert in State immunity law, about the ramifications of the decision (starting at 6:00 of the recording).

Holding "trainings" for clients not only builds internal client capacity and fosters long-lasting relationships - it also provides a forum to speak to the client, learn from it and identify its needs. I and my fellow VF lawyers were delighted to provide the first two lessons of the Barbados Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade's Diplomatic Academy, on complex negotiations and current crises in international law. Also great to have had lawyers from the AGC and SG Jackson herself in attendance as well!

Barbados, represented by Volterra Fietta, makes oral submissions in the climate change advisory proceedings before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Volterra Fietta Partners Robert Volterra and Gunjan Sharma and Consultant Florentine Vos gave a training on effective negotiations for the Barbados Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Solicitor General Office of Barbados.