James Plotkin, a partner in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Vancouver International Arbitration Centre (VanIAC). In this new role, James will work collaboratively with his fellow directors to enhance Vancouver, and Canada more generally, as an attractive arbitral seat for international commercial disputes. James will also chair a committee overseeing VanIAC’s domain name dispute arm, the Canadian International Internet Dispute Resolution Centre (CIIDRC).
VanIAC, formerly known as the British Columbia International Commercial Arbitration Centre (BCICAC), is a non-profit organization established in 1986 by the government of British Columbia. Since its inception, the organization has worked to provide efficient, fair, and cost-effective dispute resolution processes to businesses of all sizes – and, in turn, contribute to the growth and stability of British Columbia’s business ecosystem.
Pairing expertise with a deep commitment to his clients’ success, James focuses his practice on commercial litigation and arbitration (both domestic and international), as well as intellectual property litigation and administrative law. Over the course of his career, he has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, all levels of court in Ontario and the Federal Courts. He has also represented clients in front of numerous arbitral and administrative tribunals. As an adjudicator, James has been nominated and appointed as both a commercial arbitrator and domain name dispute panelist.
James received VanIAC’s Outstanding Book and Article Award in 2022 for both an article exploring appeals of arbitral awards and a co-authored commentary on B.C.’s international arbitration legislation. Outside of his practice, James remains active in the Canadian arbitration community, including as a director of the Young Canadian Arbitration Practitioners (YCAP). Visit James’ full bio to learn more
James' directorship builds upon Gowling WLG's close relationship with VanIAC. Prior to his appointment, Jayde Wood – a partner in the firm's Vancouver office who focuses on IP law – served as both a director on VanIAC's board and immediate past chair of the CIIDRC.
About Gowling WLG’s International Arbitration Group
Businesses looking to avoid traditional courtroom litigation in resolving international disputes routinely turn to our team for tailored private arbitration solutions. With hundreds of experienced litigators around the world, we help you navigate contentious matters efficiently and cost-effectively – so that you can stay focused on achieving your business. Learn more