Interview with: Rachel Newman, Practice Manager

Founder, Rachel Newman explains how Newmans Row provides an alternative approach to those seeking independence without compromising the level of practice management.

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate NEWMANS ROW from your competitors?

It engages with arbitrators who wish to maintain a high level of practice management without compromising their own identities.

Newmans Row will act as a hub for a small group of first-class arbitrators around the world. It aims to provide the best possible practice management for international arbitrators as well as to avoid or at least reduce the ever-increasing problems created by conflicts of interest within a traditional Chambers structure. Rachel has extensive experience working with the major arbitral institutions and a formidable reputation in practice management providing essential support to busy arbitrators as well as solicitors/lawyers involved in international arbitration.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

I think we will see more Latin American and Indian arbitrations being resolved in London.  India has steadily reformed its ADR regime in the last decade and with the introduction of a more streamlined enforcement process and significant amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act during the last 20 years, alongside the supportive stance of the Indian Courts towards arbitration these positive changes have seen an increase in the enforceable arbitrations resolved in London.

I also feel that with the positive change to the IBA Guidelines now inclusive of commodity disputes alongside maritime disputes will continue to encourage these types of disputes to be resolved by arbitrators with practices in London.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

That NEWMANS ROW is not a firm.  That NEWMANS ROW are able to provide high level practice management without the need to function as a firm – and to maintain the individual identities of the arbitrators.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Absolutely, arbitrators have always been global.  They were using video hearings before COVID was even the driving force behind the need; iPads loaded with case documents without the need for hard copies.  They have never been limited by their physical locations.  Newmans Row continues that thinking and provides a familiar feel with a global reach.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

This question does not necessarily apply to NEWMANS ROW because arbitrators do not have clients but they do provide a service to a community which has always maintained the approach that arbitration should be affordable, efficient and enforceable.  NEWMANS ROW continues that thinking.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Similarly, this question does not apply to the arbitral community but in three years’ time, London will continue to be the seat of choice due to the quality of the arbitrations which are resolved here and go on to be enforced globally.  NEWMANS ROW will continue to ensure that it provides exceptional arbitrators to maintain the quality of the arbitrations resolved in London.