Featured Work:
Editorial Reviews:
Diversity in International Arbitration: Why it Matters and How to Sustain It (Edward Elgar, 2022)
Citation: Ali, S., Colombo, G., Barzak, F., Karton, J., Eds. (2022) Diversity in International Arbitration: Why it Matters and how to Sustain it (Edward Elgar). v-x. 2-302
- ‘Ali, Balcerzak, Colombo, and Karton have edited a unique tour-de-force of diversity issues ranging from personal identity to legal culture to environmental impact. The editors have compiled an impressive anthology of approaches to fostering diversity from a “who's who” of authors making an impact on the ground already in this space. This is a must-read book for any law firm lawyers, corporate counsel, organizational leaders, arbitration institution administrators, and concerned arbitrators looking for ways to increase the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) savviness of their organizations and independent practices.’ (Victoria Sahani, Boston University, US)
- ‘Two generations ago, the international arbitration community comprised an arcane brotherhood – a mafia of the pale, male and stale. “[O]ur own cultures are largely invisible to us; they are simply our “common sense” understandings of the world.” The fascinating chapters in this book lift the veil on unconscious biases, demonstrating how inclusion is crucial to maintaining the legitimacy of arbitration today. I love it!’ (Louise Barrington, Arbitrator, co-founder of ArbitralWomen and of Hong Kong’s Vis East Moot)
Citation: Ali, S., Colombo, G., Barzak, F., Karton, J., Eds. (2022) Diversity in International Arbitration: Why it Matters and how to Sustain it (Edward Elgar). v-x. 2-302
Forming Transnational Dispute Settlement Norms: Soft Law and the Role of the UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (Edward Elgar, 2021)
‘By imaginatively 'mapping the middle,' Shahla Ali persuasively demonstrates the integral ways that a regional body can consolidate responsive transnational legal orders by harnessing state and non-state innovation… open[ing] up exciting frontiers for… theory.’ (Terence Halliday, ABF)
‘It is impossible to ignore this evidence of decentralized transnational legal ordering and how it might be fostered by regional institutions.’ (Kevin E. Davis, NYU School of Law)
‘This book provides an important, empirically grounded case study of UNCITRAL processes and their implications in Asia through its first regional center.” (Gregory Shaffer, UCI)
‘A powerful critique of Western-dominant legal orthodoxy…of urgent relevance to democratic resolutions of disputes in Asia and across the globe.’ (Hiroshi Fukurai, UC Santa Cruz)
Citation: Ali, S, (2021) Forming Transnational Dispute Settlement Norms: Soft Law and the Role of UNCITRAL’s Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, Massachusetts, USA: Edward Elgar). ix-xvi, 2-257
- ‘It is rare to have 5 years of our work performance scrutinized academically…. I cannot escape a sense of relief after reading this remarkable work… [showing] the importance of having more Regional Offices [including] of the HCCH and UNIDROIT [as] platforms to ensure equal access to legal knowledge.’ (Mr. João Ribeiro-Bidaoui, former Head UNCITRAL’s RCAP)
- ‘International arbitration has long been critici[sed] for unequal access ... This book breaks new ground… [showing]…UNCITRAL’s RCAP may provide a model for other regions.’ (Bryant Garth, UCI)
‘By imaginatively 'mapping the middle,' Shahla Ali persuasively demonstrates the integral ways that a regional body can consolidate responsive transnational legal orders by harnessing state and non-state innovation… open[ing] up exciting frontiers for… theory.’ (Terence Halliday, ABF)
‘It is impossible to ignore this evidence of decentralized transnational legal ordering and how it might be fostered by regional institutions.’ (Kevin E. Davis, NYU School of Law)
‘This book provides an important, empirically grounded case study of UNCITRAL processes and their implications in Asia through its first regional center.” (Gregory Shaffer, UCI)
‘A powerful critique of Western-dominant legal orthodoxy…of urgent relevance to democratic resolutions of disputes in Asia and across the globe.’ (Hiroshi Fukurai, UC Santa Cruz)
Citation: Ali, S, (2021) Forming Transnational Dispute Settlement Norms: Soft Law and the Role of UNCITRAL’s Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, Massachusetts, USA: Edward Elgar). ix-xvi, 2-257
Commentary on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (Cambridge University Press, 2020)
“The book is essential for international business as well as teaching.” (Neil Kaplan, Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers, Hong Kong); “insightful comparative legal analysis of the world’s primary instrument of arbitration law. An absolute essential, both for practitioners and academics.” (Bas van Zelst, Co-Head of Van Doorne’s Arbitration Group and Professor at Maastricht University);
Citation: Ali, S, I. Bantekas, M. Gomez, P. Ortolani, (2020) Commentary on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press)
- “A truly international treatise where theory meets actual practice. Not only does this book provide a useful and interesting background to the UNCITRAL Model Law, but more critically an instructive and in-depth analysis of each article, describing its purpose and application across numerous jurisdictions. Clearly a useful and practical addition to the existing body of law.” (Alexis Mourre, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration)
- “We now have the pleasure of a commentary that does justice to the significant achievements of the UNCITRAL Model Law. A diverse group of authors thoroughly analyse each of its 36 articles, comparing each one’s application in diverse jurisdictions, without ever losing sight of the Model Law’s initial raison d’être. An enlightening and accessible treatise that is fundamental to a proper understanding of this increasingly widespread legal text.”
“The book is essential for international business as well as teaching.” (Neil Kaplan, Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers, Hong Kong); “insightful comparative legal analysis of the world’s primary instrument of arbitration law. An absolute essential, both for practitioners and academics.” (Bas van Zelst, Co-Head of Van Doorne’s Arbitration Group and Professor at Maastricht University);
Citation: Ali, S, I. Bantekas, M. Gomez, P. Ortolani, (2020) Commentary on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press)
New Frontiers in Asia Pacific International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (Kluwer, 2021)
An invaluable book that challenges the existing procedures and frameworks for cross-border dispute resolution in commercial and treaty arbitration. The eastward shift in international dispute resolution has already involved initiatives not only to improve support for international commercial arbitration (ICA) and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) but also to develop alternatives, such as international commercial courts and mediation. This remarkable book focuses on these initiatives and their accompanying case law and trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
Citation: Ali, S., Nottage, L., Jetin, B., and Teramura, N. Eds. (2021) New Frontiers in Asia-Pacific International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, Kluwer Law.
An invaluable book that challenges the existing procedures and frameworks for cross-border dispute resolution in commercial and treaty arbitration. The eastward shift in international dispute resolution has already involved initiatives not only to improve support for international commercial arbitration (ICA) and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) but also to develop alternatives, such as international commercial courts and mediation. This remarkable book focuses on these initiatives and their accompanying case law and trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
Citation: Ali, S., Nottage, L., Jetin, B., and Teramura, N. Eds. (2021) New Frontiers in Asia-Pacific International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, Kluwer Law.
Court Mediation Reform: Efficiency, Confidence and Perceptions of Justice (Edward Elgar, 2018)
‘Shahla Ali's work is an innovative meta-analysis of the trends in the institutionalization of mediation at the macro level. It has an ambitious approach that had not been attempted yet, and paves the way for other future research, as well as providing guidance to policy makers and professionals.’ (Luigi Cominelli, The University of Milan, Italy)
‘Professor Shahla Ali has performed a valuable service for conflict resolution policy makers around the world. Providing diverse and mixed data reports of the uptake and resistance to court (and some private) mediation programs in ten different legal systems, she artfully surveys important legal, social and cultural differences in the uses and effectiveness of voluntary and mandatory mediation programmes. While some seek efficiency, others seek efficacy, through party-tailored solutions or regional integration dispute resolution schemes. Different programme motivations (and the varied role of lawyers) provide variation, not uniformity, in the use of mediation to resolve civil, family, labour and commercial disputes. A must-read for any dispute system designer, or court administrator or mediator.’ (Carrie Menkel-Meadow, University of California, Irvine and Georgetown University Law Center, US)
‘Professor Ali's book offers the most comprehensive, qualitative study and insights on Global Court Mediation I have encountered. It should be in the hands of every court in the world.’ (Judge Dorothy Nelson, United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit)
Citation: Ali, S. (2018), Court Mediation Reform: Efficiency, Confidence and Perceptions of Justice (Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, Massachusetts, USA: Edward Elgar). v-x, 1-291.
‘Shahla Ali's work is an innovative meta-analysis of the trends in the institutionalization of mediation at the macro level. It has an ambitious approach that had not been attempted yet, and paves the way for other future research, as well as providing guidance to policy makers and professionals.’ (Luigi Cominelli, The University of Milan, Italy)
‘Professor Shahla Ali has performed a valuable service for conflict resolution policy makers around the world. Providing diverse and mixed data reports of the uptake and resistance to court (and some private) mediation programs in ten different legal systems, she artfully surveys important legal, social and cultural differences in the uses and effectiveness of voluntary and mandatory mediation programmes. While some seek efficiency, others seek efficacy, through party-tailored solutions or regional integration dispute resolution schemes. Different programme motivations (and the varied role of lawyers) provide variation, not uniformity, in the use of mediation to resolve civil, family, labour and commercial disputes. A must-read for any dispute system designer, or court administrator or mediator.’ (Carrie Menkel-Meadow, University of California, Irvine and Georgetown University Law Center, US)
‘Professor Ali's book offers the most comprehensive, qualitative study and insights on Global Court Mediation I have encountered. It should be in the hands of every court in the world.’ (Judge Dorothy Nelson, United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit)
Citation: Ali, S. (2018), Court Mediation Reform: Efficiency, Confidence and Perceptions of Justice (Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, Massachusetts, USA: Edward Elgar). v-x, 1-291.
Governing Disasters: Engaging Local Populations in Humanitarian Relief (Cambridge University Press, 2016)
"Elegantly weaving theory with rich contextual studies, Professor Shahla Ali's Governing Disasters elevates the study of law and disasters [by] setting agendas both for scholarship and policy." (David D. Caron, King's College London)
"Community involvement and public-private partnership are sometimes written off as popular buzzwords. This important and carefully documented book shows, however, that they can make a major difference in the effectiveness of disaster relief." ( Daniel Farber, University of California, Berkeley)
"In drawing on the new governance literature to explore the role of local actors in post-disaster humanitarian relief, Professor Ali generates important insights into the careful equilibrium of decentralization and coordination that is necessary for successful multi-level governance." (Robert B. Ahdieh, Emory University, Atlanta)
"Offers a rich and comparative analysis of local participation in disaster response and recovery in six recent disasters. At a time when the international humanitarian community is stretched thin by multiple large-scale disasters, and the twin forces of conflict and larger natural disasters place millions in need of humanitarian assistance globally, there has never been a more apt time to consider seriously how best to support and enhance the capacities of local communities to respond to and manage disaster response. Governments, scholars and humanitarian and development practitioners will benefit enormously from reviewing the actual experience of local community participation in disaster recovery expertly examined in this work." (Vincenzo Bollettino, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative)
Citation: Ali, S. (2016) Governing Disasters: Engaging Local Populations in Humanitarian Relief (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press). vii-xix, 1-325.
"Elegantly weaving theory with rich contextual studies, Professor Shahla Ali's Governing Disasters elevates the study of law and disasters [by] setting agendas both for scholarship and policy." (David D. Caron, King's College London)
"Community involvement and public-private partnership are sometimes written off as popular buzzwords. This important and carefully documented book shows, however, that they can make a major difference in the effectiveness of disaster relief." ( Daniel Farber, University of California, Berkeley)
"In drawing on the new governance literature to explore the role of local actors in post-disaster humanitarian relief, Professor Ali generates important insights into the careful equilibrium of decentralization and coordination that is necessary for successful multi-level governance." (Robert B. Ahdieh, Emory University, Atlanta)
"Offers a rich and comparative analysis of local participation in disaster response and recovery in six recent disasters. At a time when the international humanitarian community is stretched thin by multiple large-scale disasters, and the twin forces of conflict and larger natural disasters place millions in need of humanitarian assistance globally, there has never been a more apt time to consider seriously how best to support and enhance the capacities of local communities to respond to and manage disaster response. Governments, scholars and humanitarian and development practitioners will benefit enormously from reviewing the actual experience of local community participation in disaster recovery expertly examined in this work." (Vincenzo Bollettino, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative)
Citation: Ali, S. (2016) Governing Disasters: Engaging Local Populations in Humanitarian Relief (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press). vii-xix, 1-325.
Consumer Financial Dispute Resolution in a Comparative Context: Principles, Systems and Practice (Cambridge University Press, 2013)
'This book provides a wide-ranging comparative assessment that will be of great value to anyone analyzing or designing dispute resolution systems for consumer disputes. The detailed descriptions of arbitration and ombudsman mechanisms in six countries, as well as Dr Ali's recommendations, illuminate the continuing evolution of global norms for dispute resolution.' (Stephanie E. Smith, Lecturer, Stanford Law School)
'This is a valuable primer to the growing universe of consumer financial arbitration, particularly with its emphasis on countries in the Asia Pacific region.' (Michael Hwang, Michael Hwang Chambers, Singapore)
'This comprehensive volume breaks new ground in surveying and comparing multiple dispute resolution systems across world regions against a backdrop of carefully outlined principles including fairness, impartiality, transparency and consistency. Well-written, thoughtful and empirically supported, it is a 'must-read' for scholars, practitioners and end-users of commercial dispute resolution. It also productively outlines a way forward for practice in this area informed by best practices from a range of contexts.' (Michelle LeBaron, University of British Columbia)
'Anyone interested in the intersection of consumers, monetary disputes with financial institutions, and turbulent financial markets must read this book. It provides an articulate and thoughtful comparison of processes, from mediation and conciliation to ombudsmen, arbitration and litigation, taking us around the world to the UK, Australia, Japan, the US, China, Singapore and Hong Kong to look at differing systems of dispute resolution.'
(Lela P. Love, Director, Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution and the Cardozo Mediation Clinic, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law)
Citation: Ali, S. (2013). Consumer Financial Dispute Resolution in a Comparative Context: Principles, Systems and Practice (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press) vii-xiv, 1-267.
'This book provides a wide-ranging comparative assessment that will be of great value to anyone analyzing or designing dispute resolution systems for consumer disputes. The detailed descriptions of arbitration and ombudsman mechanisms in six countries, as well as Dr Ali's recommendations, illuminate the continuing evolution of global norms for dispute resolution.' (Stephanie E. Smith, Lecturer, Stanford Law School)
'This is a valuable primer to the growing universe of consumer financial arbitration, particularly with its emphasis on countries in the Asia Pacific region.' (Michael Hwang, Michael Hwang Chambers, Singapore)
'This comprehensive volume breaks new ground in surveying and comparing multiple dispute resolution systems across world regions against a backdrop of carefully outlined principles including fairness, impartiality, transparency and consistency. Well-written, thoughtful and empirically supported, it is a 'must-read' for scholars, practitioners and end-users of commercial dispute resolution. It also productively outlines a way forward for practice in this area informed by best practices from a range of contexts.' (Michelle LeBaron, University of British Columbia)
'Anyone interested in the intersection of consumers, monetary disputes with financial institutions, and turbulent financial markets must read this book. It provides an articulate and thoughtful comparison of processes, from mediation and conciliation to ombudsmen, arbitration and litigation, taking us around the world to the UK, Australia, Japan, the US, China, Singapore and Hong Kong to look at differing systems of dispute resolution.'
(Lela P. Love, Director, Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution and the Cardozo Mediation Clinic, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law)
Citation: Ali, S. (2013). Consumer Financial Dispute Resolution in a Comparative Context: Principles, Systems and Practice (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press) vii-xiv, 1-267.
International Commercial Arbitration in Asia, 3rd Ed (Juris, 2013)
"This is a book with a distinguished publishing history, and the third edition continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the Asian region by a team of largely well known international arbitration practitioners, who give in-depth exposition and analysis of the current law and practice in their respective countries.
The new editorial team is comprised of Tom Ginsburg, who provides the link with previous editions, and Shahla Ali, a new and rising name in Asian arbitration academia, who contributes the introductory chapter, which is a fascinating comparative study of the role of the Asian arbitrator as settlement facilitator.
This is a book which will serve its readers well and provide not only knowledge but insights." - MICHAEL HWANG S.C.
Citation: Ali, S., Ginsburg, T., Eds. (2013) International Commercial Arbitration in Asia (JurisPublishers). iii-xlvi. 1-634.
"This is a book with a distinguished publishing history, and the third edition continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the Asian region by a team of largely well known international arbitration practitioners, who give in-depth exposition and analysis of the current law and practice in their respective countries.
The new editorial team is comprised of Tom Ginsburg, who provides the link with previous editions, and Shahla Ali, a new and rising name in Asian arbitration academia, who contributes the introductory chapter, which is a fascinating comparative study of the role of the Asian arbitrator as settlement facilitator.
This is a book which will serve its readers well and provide not only knowledge but insights." - MICHAEL HWANG S.C.
Citation: Ali, S., Ginsburg, T., Eds. (2013) International Commercial Arbitration in Asia (JurisPublishers). iii-xlvi. 1-634.
Resolving Disputes in the Asia Pacific Region: International Arbitration and Mediation in East Asia and the West (Routledge, 2012)
"Professor Ali moves our understanding of arbitration and mediation in East Asia and globally forward with this fundamentally important work. Using both interviews and surveys of arbitrators ... Professor Ali's book allows us to better understand the changes underway in the field." (Professor David D. Caron, UC Berkeley School of Law)
"The East Asia focus... combined with the empirical study, lead me to believe that there is no competing book in this subject area." ( Anonymous Reviewer)
Citation: Ali, S. (2010; 2012 reprint). Resolving Disputes in the Asia Pacific: International Mediation and Arbitration in East Asia and the West (USA and Canada: Routledge). v-xiv. 1-146.
"Professor Ali moves our understanding of arbitration and mediation in East Asia and globally forward with this fundamentally important work. Using both interviews and surveys of arbitrators ... Professor Ali's book allows us to better understand the changes underway in the field." (Professor David D. Caron, UC Berkeley School of Law)
"The East Asia focus... combined with the empirical study, lead me to believe that there is no competing book in this subject area." ( Anonymous Reviewer)
Citation: Ali, S. (2010; 2012 reprint). Resolving Disputes in the Asia Pacific: International Mediation and Arbitration in East Asia and the West (USA and Canada: Routledge). v-xiv. 1-146.
