Call for Articles - IPBA Journal December Issue 2026

Issue Theme:

Evolving Negotiators in Global Litigation and Arbitration: Tech and Procedural Innovation

The practice of litigation and arbitration negotiation is undergoing profound transformation amid rapid technological iteration, upgrading international dispute resolution rules. For the December 2026 issue, the IPBA Journal invites original articles, case comments and practitioner analyses focusing on the emerging roles, strategic adjustments and ethical challenges of negotiators in cross-border litigation and arbitration worldwide.

Traditional negotiation frameworks are being reshaped by two core contemporary trends: the widespread application of AI and digital arbitration tools, and regulatory uncertainties in cross-border disputes. Modern dispute negotiators no longer merely focus on settlement tactics, but must balance procedural efficiency, technological empowerment and cross-jurisdictional compliance. This issue aims to explore the new positioning, core competencies and practical dilemmas of negotiators under the new industry landscape.

We welcome submissions covering hot-button topics included but not limited to: AI-assisted negotiation strategy in arbitration proceedings, procedural adaptation of negotiators in expedited arbitration and multi-tiered dispute resolution, and innovative settlement mechanisms in international commercial and investment disputes. Comparative studies of negotiation practices across different jurisdictions and empirical analyses of latest dispute resolution cases are highly encouraged.

Submissions should be original, unpublished works with legal reasoning and practical value, contributing forward-looking insights to optimize global dispute negotiation practices.

Please submit your papers to the Publications Committee: Scott Li and Frédéric Dal Vecchio.

The deadline to submit articles and other contents is:

October 16, 2026

Requirements for publication of an article in the IPBA Journal's "In Focus" section are:

• Articles with a focus on the main theme will be accepted for consideration.
• Authors are suggested to provide a brief synopsis of the intended article to the publications committee in advance of writing.  This is to help avoid duplication with other articles and ensure that the article will be selected for publication.
• Authors and co-authors must be members of the IPBA. Please provide your IPBA membership number(s) along with the article. Your membership ID number(s) can be found next to your photo in your online profile, in the Member Only section of the IPBA web site. Or, contact the IPBA Secretariat.
• The article cannot have been published elsewhere in print or digitally.
• The ideal word count of the article should be between 1500 to 2000 words.
• Along with the article, submit a lead paragraph of approximately 50 to 60 words giving a brief introduction to, or overview of, the article's main theme.
• Provide a biography of the author(s) in up to 100 words.
• Provide high resolution photo(s) of the author(s), at least 500KB in size (JPEG).
• The article must be of good quality both in terms of technical input and topical interest for IPBA members.
• The article must not be written to publicize the expertise, specialization, or network offices of the writer or the firm at which the writer is based.

Items for Other Sections Wanted!

IPBA Events, Committee Updates

• Tell us about IPBA events held in person or online.
• Report on IPBA Committee activities such as events, get-togethers, meetings, leadership notes.
• If you have a lot of photos, the write-up should be around 400 words.
• If you have fewer photos, the write-up should be around 800 words.
• Photos of the event should be high resolution, at least 1MB (JPEG) in data size.

Did You Know?

• Tell us about peculiar laws in your jurisdiction that others might find interesting or surprising.
• If you have more photos, the write-up should be around 400 words.
• If you have fewer photos, the write-up should be around 800 words.
• Photos should be high resolution, at least 1MB (JPEG) in data size.

Celebrations

• Tell us about cultural events and festivals in your jurisdiction.
• If you have a lot of photos, the write-up should be around 300 words.
• If you have fewer photos, the write-up should be around 600 words.
• Photos should be high resolution, at least 1MB (JPEG) in data size.

Authors and co-authors must be members of the IPBA.

All submissions should have the name, firm name, and city of the submitting party or parties, and photos should be high resolution for publication.
 

Send your submissions to Scott Li andFrédéric Dal Vecchio.

The new Journal will only be successful with your contributions! We look forward to hearing from all of you.