Category: News

NEARLY TWO DECADES AT THE HEART OF VIETNAMESE ARBITRATION

In Vietnam’s dispute resolution community, few have built as deep a connection with VIAC – the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre – as Mr. Phan Trọng Đạt. Over nearly two decades, he was not merely a witness to the institution’s growth but an active participant in shaping it.

As Deputy Secretary-General, he was directly engaged in the organisation’s management, coordination, and strategic development. As Secretary of the Legal Science Council, he contributed to building VIAC’s academic and legal foundations – where questions of arbitration law, procedural standards, and policy were deliberated at the highest level. Throughout, he regularly represented VIAC at major events domestically and internationally, from Southeast Asian conferences to global forums.

A MARK LEFT AT THE VIETNAM MEDIATION CENTRE

Concurrently with his roles at VIAC, from 2018 to 2021, Mr. Đạt served as Standing Deputy Director of the Vietnam Mediation Centre (VMC), before being entrusted as Acting Director in 2021. Contributing simultaneously to both of Vietnam’s leading dispute resolution institutions speaks to the breadth of his influence and the trust the community placed in him.

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED CREDENTIALS

· MCIArb – Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (since 2017): Expertise in arbitral procedure validated against the highest international standards.

· CEDR Accredited Mediator (since 2019): Reflecting capability in both arbitration and mediation – an increasingly preferred method of dispute resolution in today’s international business environment.

ACADEMIC FOUNDATION & TEACHING

Mr. Đạt holds a Bachelor’s in International Economics from the Foreign Trade University (FTU, K35) and a Master’s in Creative Project Management – an uncommon combination of legal thinking, governance, and innovation.
For over a decade, he has also served as a visiting lecturer at the Vietnam Judicial Academy, teaching Negotiation, Mediation, and Arbitration to future lawyers – the work of someone who not only practises the craft but invests in passing it on.

With Mr. Đạt joining the team, EP Legal strengthens its expertise in commercial dispute resolution, arbitration, and mediation – bringing more effective solutions to both existing and prospective clients.

Welcome to the EPLegal family, Mr. Phan Trọng Đạt.

On the afternoon of April 8, Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam, Partner at EPLegal, held a working session with representatives of VIFC-DN and several potential investors to discuss the Center’s development orientation, operational framework, and collaboration opportunities.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on investor onboarding procedures and requirements, as well as investment incentive sectors at the Center. Discussions also covered regulatory and operational aspects, including sandbox mechanisms for pilot business activities, supervision and monitoring frameworks, member protection mechanisms, as well as dispute resolution and enforcement of arbitral awards.

The practical insights shared by VIFC-DN provided greater clarity on the legal framework and requirements for enterprises seeking to participate in its ecosystem.

Representing VIFC-DN, Mr. Dang Dinh Duc shared valuable information regarding the Center’s operational model, as well as its development orientation and upcoming plans.

The meeting provided EPLegal with an opportunity to stay updated on key developments, enabling the firm to continue supporting clients in effectively accessing and leveraging investment opportunities at VIFC-DN and across the Central Vietnam region.

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For more information on EPLegal’s expertise in these areas, please feel free to get in touch with our team.

As Paris Arbitration Week 2026 comes to a close, representatives of EPLegal continued to engage in professional exchanges and international networking activities, further expanding their connections in the field of arbitration and dispute resolution.

As part of the side meetings, the delegation held discussions with representatives of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), focusing on the development and operation of arbitral institutions, as well as practical recommendations on ensuring independence, transparency, and building market confidence in newly established arbitration centres.

At the same time, EPLegal’s representatives participated in various networking activities with the international legal community in Paris, providing opportunities to exchange professional insights and gain broader perspectives on cross-border dispute resolution practices.

Building on earlier engagements throughout the week, EPLegal’s active participation at Paris Arbitration Week reflects a comprehensive journey – from attending and engaging in professional discussions to strengthening international connections.

Through these activities, EPLegal continues to reaffirm its commitment to international integration, gradually expanding its professional network and enhancing its capacity to engage in arbitration and cross-border dispute resolution.

As part of the official working visit to France, the delegation of the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam, led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Thanh Tinh, held a meeting with representatives of the French Ministry of Justice to exchange views on legal frameworks and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The discussions focused on practical experience in the development and operation of dispute resolution systems, particularly the relationship between arbitration and national courts, the supportive role of the judiciary in arbitration, and key factors in building a transparent, stable legal environment that fosters investor confidence.

Both sides also shared perspectives on the development of legal and arbitration professionals, emphasizing the importance of enhancing practical capabilities and aligning with international standards and practices in the context of deepening global integration.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Vietnamese delegation to present its orientation for the development of dispute resolution institutions, while learning from the French experience as one of the world’s long-standing and influential arbitration hubs.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam, Founding Lawyer of EPLegal, participated in the delegation and actively contributed to the discussions, bridging practical insights with policy-level exchanges, while further strengthening professional connections with international counterparts.

Through this engagement, EPLegal continues to reinforce its strategic focus on dispute resolution and international arbitration, while progressively expanding its network and enhancing its capacity to engage in cross-border legal matters.

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For more information on EPLegal’s expertise in these areas, please feel free to get in touch with our team.

As part of the Paris Arbitration Week 2026, the delegation of the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam held a working session with representatives of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – one of the world’s leading and most influential arbitral institutions.

During the meeting, the delegation exchanged views with the ICC on the orientation for the establishment and development of the Vietnam International Financial Centre Arbitration Centre (VIFCA), while also gaining insights into international best practices in operating an independent, efficient, and internationally aligned arbitral institution. Representatives of the ICC shared valuable recommendations on building investor confidence, the supportive role of national courts, as well as training and capacity-building programs in the field of arbitration.

The delegation also expressed its interest in strengthening cooperation with the ICC in professional areas such as training, expert networking, and support in identifying suitable international candidates for key positions of VIFCA in its early stages.

Notably, Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam, Founding Lawyer of EPLegal, participated in the delegation, contributing both practical and academic perspectives in the field of arbitration. His direct engagement in discussions with the ICC provided valuable opportunities to stay abreast of evolving dispute resolution practices, while also facilitating EPLegal’s efforts to expand professional exchanges and strengthen connections with leading arbitral institutions.

Through its participation in these high-level engagements, EPLegal continues to reaffirm its strategic focus on dispute resolution and international arbitration, while progressively enhancing its capacity to contribute to global legal dialogues.

Image: Deputy Minister of Justice of Vietnam Nguyen Thanh Tinh presented a commemorative gift to Ms. Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC.

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For more information on EPLegal’s expertise in these areas, please feel free to get in touch with our team.

On 23 March 2026, the 10th ICC European Conference on International Arbitration took place in Paris, marking the opening of Paris Arbitration Week 2026 (PAW 2026) – one of the world’s leading forums in international commercial arbitration.

Notably, the conference welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Justice, led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Thanh Tinh, with the participation of Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam, Founding Partner of EPLegal. Attending the event provided valuable opportunities to gain first-hand insights into the latest trends, thinking, and practices in international arbitration, while fostering exchanges and connections with leading experts and institutions, thereby contributing to enhancing Vietnam’s position in dispute resolution.

The event brought together approximately 300 international participants, with discussions focusing on key issues in contemporary arbitration practice, including how arbitral tribunals make decisions, the role of psychology and advocacy strategies, the impact of financial factors on dispute outcomes, and the design of effective procedural and case management strategies.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Ministry of Justice delegation held a working meeting with representatives of the ICC International Court of Arbitration. The discussion highlighted the widespread global use of ICC arbitration, including States and state-owned enterprises, reflecting strong trust in its integrity and neutrality. The ICC emphasized the importance of a reliable dispute resolution framework – combining arbitration and an effective court system – in strengthening investor confidence. Both sides also explored potential areas of cooperation, particularly in capacity building, institutional development, and enhancing the capabilities of Vietnam’s legal professionals in line with international standards.

Through the participation of Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam as part of the Ministry of Justice delegation, EPLegal continues to affirm its strategic focus on dispute resolution and international arbitration, while contributing to knowledge exchange and the adoption of international best practices, thereby supporting the ongoing development of Vietnam’s legal framework and arbitration practice.

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For more information on EPLegal’s expertise in these areas, please feel free to get in touch with our team.