January 28, 2025
The Smit-Lowenfeld Prize Dinner took place in New York City on January 28, 2025, honoring Professor Catherine Rogers of Bocconi University Law School in Milan, Italy, as this year’s recipient of the prestigious award for her article "Reconceptualizing the Party-Appointed Arbitrator and the Meaning of Impartiality." The prize, which commemorates the distinguished New York arbitrators, Professor Andreas Lowenfeld of NYU Law School and Professor Hans Smit of Columbia Law School, recognizes outstanding scholarship in international arbitration. Both Lowenfeld and Smit were not only influential educators in the field but also frequently served as arbitrators in major international disputes. The award dinner, hosted by the International Arbitration Club of New York, brought together leading figures in arbitration to celebrate Professor Rogers’ contributions to the discipline.
The evening featured remarks from Professor Rogers, who accepted the honor, as well as from Ted Lynch of Jones Day, who led the jury that selected the winner, and Professor Robert Smit of Columbia Law School. Lawrence W. Newman of Baker McKenzie, the presiding member of the International Arbitration Club of New York, emphasized the significance of Professor Rogers’ work, stating, “Professor Rogers’ article on the party-appointed arbitrator in international arbitration is important because it brings historical and theoretical background to a practical reality of a widely used practice in international arbitration.” The event underscored the ongoing evolution of arbitration scholarship and practice, highlighting the impact of rigorous academic inquiry on the resolution of international disputes.
