Squire and the UFV launch a Chair in International Arbitration Research

The Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV) and the law firm Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) have signed an agreement for the creation of the UFV-Squire Patton Boggs Chair in International Arbitration Research, which will be attached to the Center for the Common Good of the Faculty of Law, Business and Government and College UFV.

UFV-Squire Patton Boggs Chair in International Arbitration Research

The agreement, signed by the UFV Vice Rector for Research, Alberto López Rosado, and the managing partner of SPB, Teresa Zueco Peña, has as its main objective to promote research, transfer, dissemination and teaching in the field of international arbitration. With an annual endowment of 30,000 euros provided by SPB, the Chair will initially be active for a period of three years, extendable by agreement of the parties.

The Chair will be jointly directed by Javier Izquierdo Jiménez, litigation and arbitration partner at SPB, and Sofía Borgia Sorrosal, professor at the UFV. Both have an outstanding track record in international arbitration and will bring their experience and vision to enhance synergies between the professional and academic worlds, contributing to the development of innovative activities in the area.

“Arbitration is a fundamental tool for conflict resolution in an increasingly globalized environment. Through this chair, we seek to train future leaders and provide innovative solutions that benefit both companies and society,” adds Javier Izquierdo.

A structure focused on research and knowledge transfer

The Chair will develop activities focused on three areas: research, knowledge transfer and practical training. In the academic field, it will promote a line of research on international arbitration and the organization of periodic conferences with professionals and academics. An annual event will also be held to present advances in the field and disseminate the results obtained.

For the transfer of knowledge, a room will be created under the name of SPB, designed for simulations and events related to arbitration. In addition, the participation of students in international arbitration competitions and the joint publication of research between UFV and SPB will be promoted.

Commitment to innovation and professional training

Through a dual management structure, the Chair will be represented by Javier Izquierdo Jiménez (SPB) and Sofía Borgia Sorrosal (UFV), who will be in charge of academic and administrative activities. A Joint Monitoring Committee, made up of members from both parties, will ensure compliance with the annual plan of activities.

In line with its commitment to academic excellence, the UFV also offers the Double Master’s Degree in Access to the Practice of Law and Legal Practice together with the Master’s Degree in Continuing Education in Legal Consultancy. This program combines theoretical and practical training for 18 months, preparing students to pass the national qualifying exam and practice as lawyers, complementing their profile with a solid foundation in legal advice and professional practice in prestigious law firms.

Image: Javier de Cendra, dean of the Faculty of Law, Business and Government and the College; Alberto López Rosado, vice-rector of Research at UFV; Teresa Zueco Peña, managing partner of SPB; Javier Izquierdo, litigation and arbitration partner of SPB; Daniela del Olmo, executive director of Postgraduate Studies at FDEG and Alfonso Puyol, director of the Master in Advocacy at FDEG.