Venezuela is reeling from a multitude of woes. Vast swathes of the population have fled to neighboring countries as a humanitarian crisis flares out of control. The Venezuelan oil industry – the economy’s frail linchpin – has not escaped the morass. PdVSA, the state-owned oil company, is crippled by chronic operating mismanagement and resource nationalism. […]
On June 5, 2017, the Colorado Supreme Court issued a decision in Vallagio at Inverness Residential Condo. Ass’n v. Metro Homes, Inc., 2017 CO 69, June 5, 2017 (“Vallagio”) that will likely benefit condominium developers in Colorado by helping to alleviate litigation costs related to construction defects claims, thereby incentivizing new construction of condominiums along […]
The arbitration clause in an oil and gas lease is likely not the most hotly negotiated term or even one that the parties think twice about. However, recent litigation in Pennsylvania should serve as a reminder to lessors and lessees to be aware that a poorly drafted arbitration clause may lead to unwanted litigation. Recently, […]
Now that Spring Training is in full swing, let’s talk some baseball! Okay, not that kind of baseball, but another topic in our series on arbitration – “baseball arbitration.” Some parties are reluctant to submit disputes to arbitration because they worry about “split the difference” awards. Arbitrators are generally selected, directly or indirectly, and paid […]
Arbitration Series – Part 3 of 3: When drafting an arbitration provision, careful attention should be given to the language describing the scope of disputes to be arbitrated. Unless the parties intend to arbitrate all disputes that may touch on or collaterally relate to the contract, the arbitration clause should contain express language specifically identifying […]
Arbitration Series – Part 2 of 3: Arbitration clauses are often contained in purchase and sales agreements, underwriting agreements, earn-in agreements, and other contracts covering specific transactions or limited to a specific performance period. See prior post. Parties may have intended the arbitration clause to only cover disputes concerning the performance or interpretation of the […]
Arbitration Series – Part 1 of 3: Agreements to arbitrate are often viewed favorably during contract negotiations as way to avoid litigation and minimize costs and expense should a dispute arise between the parties. Frequently, however, arbitration may be just as expensive and lead to uncertainties and consequences never contemplated. A party should carefully consider […]