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BAC Secretariat and Foreign Interns Develop Arbitration Simulation in English
In May 2008, two foreign students David and Carol from the Law Schools of Berkeley University and Pepperdine University, USA came to the BAC, and began two–month internships.
(The Hearing)
The arbitration simulation was developed jointly by the interns and the Secretariat. Through the process, the interns were able to learn about the BAC’s operations and procedures in hands-on ways. Likewise, the BAC secretaries were able to gain practice handling cases in English, and responding to Western concepts of dispute resolution.The Secretariat decided to arrange for secretaries to conduct extensive communication with the foreign interns in English among lunch break time. After an initial discussion on a range of topics, they felt this kind of probe in the legal field was not only in line with everyone’s interest, but also provided enormous benefit for the work of secretaries, and the research of interns. As part of their work, the foreign interns worked with the secretaries to create a scenario based on a typical international commercial arbitration dispute in which participants would carry out role-plays in the different stages, and finally undertake a near-real simulation of the arbitration court hearing process.
The secretaries and foreign interns participating in the discussion were divided into two groups of claimant and respondent. Within the groups, each was assigned a role, such as an employee of a company, witness, case manager, or arbitrator. The process began with discussion between the parties and their representatives, where the parties put forth their interest and were counseled by the representatives as to what options were available. Next, parties and representatives from both sides met together for negotiation, and discussion of the arbitration clause. Next, the parties met separately again to discuss their strategy, and how the arbitration process would unfold. Finally both sides entered the arbitration hearing, often exchanging heated words, to complete a wonderful near-real trial process.
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（The Arbitrators） |
（The Arbitrators） |
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(The Claimant Party) |
(The Respondent Party) |
During the process, the secretaries’ spoken English has been improved quickly, while the foreign students gained a better understanding of Chinese arbitration. Furthermore, mutual understanding and friendship between the staff and interns have deepened during their interaction during work and these activities. This is a really significant exchange activity, and the BAC has plans to continue it frequently.
(Chen Xi)
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