Dear NewGeners,

The current scenario of social reorganization caused by the dissemination of COVID-19 in Brazil and across the world demands measures ensuring the continuity of services related to alternative dispute resolution methods in a fair and efficient manner, despite the much needed restrictions imposed on the circulation of individuals as a way to reduce the virus’s transmission rate. Indeed, this is only possible through the joint efforts of parties, lawyers, arbitrators, and arbitral institutions.

Thinking of these joint efforts, we prepared this first edition of NewGen News, the NewGen newsletter, which was created to bring information and to encourage the debate of topics of interest to the young arbitration community.

The NewAll section contains an analysis of the new rules issued by the fifteen most relevant arbitral institutions in Brazil, designed to adapt their activities and the conduct of the cases under their administration to the new reality. We also highlight the charitable and solidarity initiatives employed by market players.

Adriana Sarra, a lawyer specialized in construction and infrastructure, contributes with an article on construction contracts, arbitration, and the pandemic. Eleonora Coelho, President of CAM-CCBC, was interviewed by NewGen News to discuss, among other topics, the institution’s engagement in social projects aimed at mitigating the effects of the pandemic.

For the NewCases section, Felipe V. Sperandio comments on the decision on recognition and enforcement of foreign award issued by English Courts in Carpatsky Petroleum Corporation v. PJSC Ukrnafta.

In the NewMoots section, we also address the impacts of the pandemic on this year’s simulated ADR competitions.

Lastly, in face of the new rules requiring social distancing and quarantine, there has been an expansion in the production of online content, which increases the accessibility by students and professionals to events organized throughout the country. Therefore, we created a calendar of webinars that will help NewGeners follow the large volume of classes and debates that have been taking place online.

The publication of NewGen News will be done on a quarterly basis, and we are counting on you to build this project with us: suggestions, publications, events, proposals for topics and announcements of opportunities are – and always will be – very welcome at newgennews@ccbc.org.br or on NewGen’s social networks.

We hope that the newsletter finds you well and that you enjoy this pilot project that we prepared with great joy.

You can always count on us!

Ana Carolina Castro, Clara Santos, Iván Fonseca e Raul Zaidan