Launched in 2015, the Praelium is a celebration of advocacy that sees two leading international advocates deploying their oratorical and advocacy skills in the service of important current legal issues before a distinguished three-member tribunal. This year's mock case addressed the role of third-party funding in a determination of security for costs and an alleged lapse in counsel ethics and the appropriate response. Advocats were Isabelle Michou, Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and Jeff Sullivan, Partner, Gibson Dunn. The distinguished tribunal was Sarah Grimmer (HKIAC), Professor George A Bermann (Columbia Law School), and V V Veeder QC (Essex Court Chambers / King's College London).

Dr Federico Ortino, Reader in International Economic Law at King's, said: 'This was a very special edition of the Praelium, following Professor Caron's sudden and sad passing earlier in the year. David was not only instrumental in establishing the Praelium four years ago, he was a strong supporter of this annual event ever since as he was very much part of the wide community of international adjudication, and international arbitration, in particular. Having renamed the event after David is a small gesture to remember and celebrate an extraordinary member of this community.'

George Bermann, Director for the Center for International Commercial and Investment Arbitration (CICIA) at Columbia Law School said of the event: 'in a very short time the Praelium has become a significant event on the springtime annual international arbitration calendar. Oratorical quality is guaranteed by the advocates selected to present. It is further enhanced by the fact that, unlike advocacy in an actual arbitration proceeding, Praelium advocacy takes place before a large audience filled with peers — themselves experienced and necessarily critical international arbitrators. The result is advocacy of the absolute highest quality.'

The event is a collaboration between The Dickson Poon School of Law, the Center for International Commercial & Investment Arbitration at Columbia University and Three Crowns LLP.