REAL

Racial Equality for Arbitration Lawyers

What is REAL?

Racial Equality for Arbitration Lawyers – REAL is a group of global lawyers practicing in international arbitration and striving to achieve racial equality for arbitration lawyers.

If not now, when?

This is one of the most dynamic, international and diverse fields to work in law – where our love of international law and cross-border disputes naturally mix an array of identities, cultures, and languages, in addition to many other factors.

Race and REAL stand at the center of this roundabout, where each member is an anchor. Together we will achieve dialogue, action, and change.

REAL's Pillars

Access

REAL opens access to the international arbitration world through scholarships and sponsorships covering courses, events, and key industry gatherings.

Visibility

REAL puts practitioners on the international arbitration map by amplifying their voices through its website, social media, and newsletter.

Collaboration

REAL achieves its goals by partnering with institutions, organizations, and initiatives across the international arbitration community to drive meaningful change.

Events and Opportunities

SG VYAP Event During Singapore Convention Week 2026

The panel discussion will examine how the national courts in India, England & Wales, Germany, Hong Kong and Singapore approach international arbitration, including...

REAL supports London International Disputes Week

We are pleased to be supporting London International Disputes Week 2026, which is taking place 1–5 June 2026. This year’s conference theme is ‘Tradition, trust and...

Blog

Due Process Paranoia in International Arbitration: when procedural caution becomes a liability

International arbitration depends on a balance between procedural fairness and efficient case management. Tribunals must give parties a fair opportunity to present their...

Public Policy as a Limit to Arbitral Enforcement

Arbitration is founded on party autonomy and arbitral finality. At the enforcement stage, courts retain a limited but important key role in ensuring that their...

The Enforceability of Unilateral Arbitration Clauses: a comparative analysis

‎The principle of party autonomy is fundamental to arbitration proceedings, allowing parties to choose various aspects of dispute resolution, including laws, forum, and...

When Agreed Facts Become Contested: can an arbitral award be set aside?

One of arbitration’s defining features is procedural flexibility. To ensure that flexibility does not descend into procedural uncertainty, parties often agree on...

When “May” Means “Must” in Arbitration

Arbitration is generally a creature of contract. Like every other contract, it must satisfy certain conditions to be valid. Without a valid arbitration clause, no...

Foreign Emergency Awards in Singapore: CVC v CVH and the primacy of natural justice

The growing use of emergency arbitration has transformed international commercial dispute resolution by enabling parties to obtain urgent interim relief before the...

Testimonials

João

Germany

REAL gave me the first opportunity to be in touch with international arbitration, and now I have a consolidated career outside my home jurisdiction.

Elizabeth

Nigeria

REAL gave me a supportive community of mentors and like-minds that was invaluable when I was finding my footing in international arbitration.

BECOME A MEMBER

Membership is free of charge and will add you to REAL’s members list, with which we regularly share scholarship opportunities, events, articles, partnerships, and news.