Steph McTighe

A respected global institution with in-depth knowledge and links across Europe, VIAC assists businesses in resolving disputes between contractual partners through commercial and investment arbitration and other methods which provide a cost-effective alternative to litigation.

As the group’s first-ever Scotland-based Ambassador, Ms McTighe brings a wealth of dispute resolution experience to her new role at VIAC having advised clients on English law commercial disputes in international arbitration proceedings.

She acts for multinational and listed companies, often with a foreign law element, regularly advising clients throughout the Central and Eastern Europe region. Her arbitration experience includes shareholder disputes between private equity and private businesses across a range of sectors, including disputes conducted under the VIAC Rules.

In her new role as the VIAC Ambassador for Scotland, she will support the promotion of international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Scotland, helping to strengthen links between businesses and VIAC, acting as VIAC’s local representative. Ambassadors support knowledge-sharing, professional engagement and thought leadership initiatives relating to dispute resolution, and Steph will do this by contributing to events, discussions and networking opportunities that enhance collaboration across the international arbitration community.

Ms Mc Tighe said: “I’d like to thank VIAC, and particularly the women running this business efficiency-focused organisation, for the opportunity to be its first Scottish-based Ambassador. Representing clients through VIAC arbitration, I was also impressed by its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, collaboration and, technology-led approach in dispute resolution. As an English-qualified solicitor based in Scotland, I see particular value for clients and other businesses who can benefit from what VIAC has to offer.

”I look forward to sharing more about these benefits with my local contacts in the coming months.”

Niamh Leinwather, VIAC secretary general, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steph to the VIAC Community Ambassador Network. As our first Ambassador for Scotland, she will play an important role in strengthening ties between the Scottish arbitration and business communities and the wider international arbitration network.

“Scotland is already an important partner for VIAC, and we greatly value our longstanding and excellent cooperation with the Scottish Arbitration Centre, including through our collaboration with Andrew Mackenzie and his team. Through the exchange of expertise, collaboration among practitioners and businesses, and active engagement with the local market, we look forward to working with Steph to further raise awareness of arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms.”