Published on 15 July 2024 in Client Alerts

Volterra Fietta Partners, Robert G Volterra and Ahmed Abdel-Hakam, spoke at Leiden University’s Conference on Counterclaims in International Law

On 27 June 2024, Volterra Fietta partners Robert G Volterra and Ahmed Abdel-Hakam were invited by Leiden University to speak at the conference on Counterclaims in International Law.  Speakers at the conference covered a wide range of issues arising out of counterclaims, such as: counterclaims and international investment law; counterclaims and the International Court of Justice; and counterclaims as a tool for strategic litigation in international courts and tribunals.

Photo: Robert G Volterra, Ahmed Abdel-Hakam in front of the Old Observatory of Leiden’s University, where the conference was held.

The Volterra Fietta partners shared practical insights on the conduct of litigation for States before international courts and tribunals.  Their presentations were practice-focused and drew on their combined experience of more than 50 years advising States around the world on Public International Law cases in which they were and are counsel.  Robert shared his experiences in creating and implementing practical litigation tactics in State-to-State disputes in which issues of counterclaims and set-off are relevant.  Ahmed shared his experiences in deploying counterclaim and set-off arguments in investment treaty claims brought under the Organisation for the Islamic Conference Investment Agreement.

Volterra Fietta regularly provides seminars and training on litigating international law claims before international courts and tribunals to its State clients and other entities.  The firm’s training covers the full spectrum of international law and dispute resolution issues.

For more information, contact info@volterrafietta.com.

More Client Alerts

| Client Alerts, News

Volterra Fietta client Barbados appears before the International Court of Justice for the first time in historic public hearing on the climate crisis

On 2 December 2024, representatives and legal counsel of Barbados made oral submissions to the International Court of Justice (the “Court”) in the climate change advisory proceedings (the “Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change Case”). 

Learn more

| Awards, Client Alerts

Three Volterra Fietta lawyers ranked in 2025 edition of Lexology Index

The global awards Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) recognised three of Volterra Fietta’s lawyers in its 2025 edition for Arbitration.

Learn more

| Client Alerts

Volterra Fietta’s client, Barbados, completes the first ever debt swap for climate resilience

Barbados completed the first ever debt swap for climate resilience.  The transaction generates USD 125 million for Barbados in fiscal savings, which it will use “to enhance water resource management and increase water and food security”. Barbados is a small island developing State, which is facing the destructive effects of climate change.  The climate crisis

Learn more

| Client Alerts

Ahmed Abdel-Hakam, Partner at Volterra Fietta, has been appointed to the International Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association

On 21 November 2024, Volterra Fietta partner Ahmed Abdel-Hakam was appointed to the International Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association.  Ahmed’s selection by the New York City Bar Association was made despite the fact that he is not a member of the Association or even qualified to practice in New York.  It

Learn more
View all