Something happened in a Quebec courtroom last month that arbitrators everywhere need to know about — and it just landed on the TechCred Substack.

On April 22, 2026, in ARIHQ v. Santé Québec, the Quebec Superior Court became the first court anywhere in the world to annul an arbitral award because the arbitrator had used AI to draft it without telling the parties. Five authorities cited in the award turned out to be hallucinations. Articles that were never written. Court of Appeal decisions that do not exist. An arbitral precedent that Quebec’s official legal service confirmed was pure invention.

The arbitration community has been waiting for this case since LaPaglia v. Valve was filed last year and dismissed on jurisdictional grounds before the merits could be reached. ARIHQ reaches them. And the principles Judge Sheehan set out — on disclosure, on the personal nature of the arbitral mandate, on the limits of delegation to a machine — apply far beyond Quebec.

Prof. Barry Appleton has written the first detailed analysis of the decision and what it means for international arbitration. He works through the four doctrines the court applied, traces their analogs under the FAA, the English Arbitration Act 2025, the Singapore IAA, the Hong Kong Ordinance, and the EU AI Act, and shows how the decision aligns with the AAA-ICDR, SCC, VIAC, and CIArb guidance issued over the past year.

If you read one piece on AI and arbitrator liability this year, make it this one. And if you want more, there are two connected pieces to follow — publishing on May 11 and May 12

What’s next

ARIHQ is going to shape the conversation for the rest of 2026, and TechCred is going to be at the center of it.

• Tuesday, May 12 at 4:30 PM — Prof. Appleton will present the case at the *AI in the Seat of Justice* panel at the ABA International Law Section Annual Conference in Washington, DC. If you are at the conference, come find us.

• November 19, 2026 — ARIHQ will be a featured topic at the 90-minute-long TechCred 2026 annual recertification update, alongside the AAA-ICDR AI Arbitrator, the Digital Omnibus, and the new wave of institutional rule changes that are arriving in response to cases just like this one.

• October 22,23 and 29, 2026 - For your friends who did not take TechCred in 2025, we have our dates set for TechCred 2026.

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This is exactly why this TechCred community exists. Forward this to a colleague who needs to see it, and we will see you in DC and in November.

Warmly,

Katja Maas
TechCred, Team / Maas Creatives

When you launch something that’s never been done before, the support of strong partners makes all the difference. We’re deeply grateful to our co-sponsoring organizations—each helping us build something so critical at this point in time. To reflect our appreciation, every partner received a 40% discount code for their members and associates. We’re thrilled to have such formidable allies alongside us as we launch the inaugural TechCred program.

Visit their social media channels to find their code.

The TechCred Faculty is an elite group of globally recognized experts at the intersection of international arbitration, law, and emerging technology. Each faculty member brings a distinguished track record in cross-border dispute resolution, innovation policy, and legal technology, making this one of the most qualified bodies assembled to address the challenges and opportunities of technology in international arbitration.

The school is a hub for thought leadership and innovation in international law, dispute resolution, and digital economy policy. The New York Law School is pleased to support the American Bar Association’s TechCred program’s curriculum and credentialing. TechCred is supported through the New York Law School’s Center for International Law.

TechCred Faculty Members

• Prof. Barry Appleton – Director, TechCred Faculty Co-Director, Center for International Law, New York Law School & Fellow at Balsillie School of International Affairs, International Arbitration Counsel. A pre-eminent practitioner and scholar on international arbitration, global business, and regulation of the digital economy, Prof. Appleton has acted in landmark disputes and authored leading publications on NAFTA, investment arbitration, and multilateral trade law. His practice focuses on the impact of the emerging digital economy on international arbitration and international economic law.

• Dr. Dmytro Chumachenko, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematical Modelling and Artificial Intelligence of National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” (Ukraine), Scholar, Balsillie School of International Affairs. Research Associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Research Affiliate at the University of Waterloo (Canada), Visiting Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (Germany), and Invited Lecturer at the Wildau Technical University of Applied Sciences (Germany).A scholar specializing in cybersecurity, AI governance, and international institutions, Dr. Chumachenko provides thought leadership on the regulatory frameworks needed for fair and secure arbitration in a digital age. He is Chair of the Education and Science subcommittee of the Expert Committee on Artificial Intelligence Development under the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and Chair of the Board of the Ukrainian Scientific and Educational IT Society.

• Daniel Garrie, Neutral, JAMS; Executive Managing Partner, Law & Forensics.

  Daniel Garrie is a JAMS Neutral, Executive Managing Partner at Law & Forensics, and adjunct faculty at Harvard. An experienced international arbitrator, he is recognized for resolving complex disputes involving artificial intelligence, digital forensics, cybersecurity, and e-discovery. Combining deep legal and technical expertise, Mr. Garrie has worked with courts and arbitral tribunals, bringing clarity to cross-border disputes at the forefront of the digital economy.

• Prof. Maura R. Grossman - University of Waterloo and Osgoode Hall Law School - A senior computer scientist and law professor, Prof. Grossman is a groundbreaking expert in technology-assisted review (TAR) and e-discovery. Professor Grossman’s scholarship is internationally cited in leading arbitral and judicial decisions regarding legal technology and digital evidence. Her work is considered the gold standard on evaluating e-evidence.

• Annie Lespérance, Head of North America for Jus Mundi - Ms. Lespérance is an arbitrator and a rising figure in technology-informed dispute resolution. She is recognized for her efforts in promoting digital literacy in arbitration and for bridging the common and civil law approaches to tech disputes.

• Dana MacGrath, Arbitrator, MacGrath Arbitration, past president, ArbitralWomen, Ms. MacGrath is deeply engaged in thought leadership around the modernization of arbitral practice. She frequently lectures on environmentally friendly arbitration procedures and the integration of technology in arbitrations. A highly respected international arbitrator with over two decades of experience, she is a recognized leader in the field of international commercial arbitration, with expertise in complex cross-border disputes involving energy, finance, and emerging technologies. Her practical insights, academic rigor, and advocacy for innovation make her a vital member of the TechCred Faculty.

• Benjamin Malek, T.H.E. Chambers, Founder, LexArb.Board Member and Former Chair of the Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center (SVAMC) AI Task Force. Mr. Malek initiated the SVAMC AI task force, which led to the development of one of the world’s first Guidelines on AI in Arbitration. He continues to demonstrate this thought leadership at LexArb, a tech company specializing in AI-driven arbitration solutions. Mr. Malek focuses on digital evidence, digital asset litigation, smart contracts, and blockchain-based arbitration disputes, making him a key figure in cutting-edge commercial arbitration involving decentralized technologies.

• Rebeca Mosquera, Senior Counsel, Saudi Aramco, President, ArbitralWomen. Rebeca Mosquera is a global leader in international arbitration, with a practice spanning Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Deeply committed to AI in arbitration. As the President of Global Women, and with her distinguished disputes practice, she brings a strong focus on digital innovation, inclusion, ethics, and modern arbitral practice.

• Kathleen Paisley, Principal, AMBOS Lawyers (Brussels/Miami), -Arbitrator and Digital Law authority. One of the rare arbitration practitioners dually qualified in law and finance, Ms. Paisley brings unmatched expertise in data protection, cross-border finance, and international commercial arbitration, with particular insight into GDPR and tech-regulated markets.

• Sarah Reynolds, Arbitrator and Board Member, Silicon Valley Arbitration & Mediation Center (SVAMC). Ms. Reynolds is one of the leading arbitration counsel in the technology sector, with a focus on high-stakes commercial disputes involving digital platforms, algorithms, and AI-related claims.

A Faculty of Global Leaders in Tech-Driven Arbitration

Collectively, the TechCred Faculty represents:

• Leadership roles in arbitration bodies

• Faculty appointments at top global institutions, including New York Law School, Harvard, MIT, University of Waterloo, Osgoode Hall, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, and Balsillie School of International Affairs

• Direct experience with ICC, JAMS, ICDR, VIAC, UNCITRAL, ICSID, SVAMC, and ad hoc arbitral tribunals

• Pioneering expertise in AI, e-discovery, digital forensics, quantum computing, blockchain, and cybersecurity law

This faculty’s combined experience and credentials position TechCred at the forefront of shaping how international arbitration adapts to, and leads, the digital transformation of legal practice.

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The Dispute That Signals a New Era

Consider this increasingly common scenario, a tribunal recently confronted an unprecedented challenge: an AI system had autonomously executed a $2.3 million cross-border supply agreement—no human signatures, no traditional negotiations, no physical presence in any jurisdiction. When the arrangement failed, the arbitrators faced questions that seemed impossible just years ago: Can algorithmic decisions constitute legal consent? How do you authenticate blockchain evidence across multiple jurisdictions? Who bears responsibility when no human actually "agreed" to anything?

This scenario isn't hypothetical. It's happening in arbitration chambers worldwide, right now.

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The Digital Revolution in International Disputes

Today's international arbitration landscape is fundamentally different from even five years ago. Cross-border disputes increasingly involve:

• Smart contracts executing automatically across jurisdictions

• Blockchain evidence requiring specialized authentication

• AI-generated documentation challenging traditional contract interpretation

• Cryptocurrency assets complicating enforcement and damages

• DeFi protocols creating novel liability questions

• NFT transactions spanning multiple legal frameworks

The numbers underscore this transformation:

• Global e-commerce reached $5.8 trillion in 2023, with cross-border e-commerce representing a rapidly expanding segment of global digital trade.

• Cryptocurrency market capitalization exceeded $3.8 trillion in 2024, with Bitcoin alone valued at $2.3 trillion

• Smart contract deployment increased exponentially across business sectors

• Digital asset-related disputes in international arbitration have increased significantly, with specialized blockchain arbitration mechanisms emerging to address this growing need

Yet most arbitration professionals lack the competency to navigate these complex disputes with confidence.

The Professional Cost of Digital Illiteracy

For Arbitrators: Appointments are increasingly going to panels with demonstrated digital competency with major arbitration institutions noting party preferences for arbitrators with technology credentials.

For Counsel: Client demands for lawyers who understand digital business models are growing, with law firms recognizing the competitive advantage of digital fluency in technology, supply chain, fintech, and e-commerce mandates.

For Mediators: Complex digital disputes require specialized knowledge to facilitate meaningful settlement discussions between parties operating in different technological frameworks.

The bottom line: digital competency is no longer optional. It is essential for remaining competitive in international dispute resolution.

Introducing TechCred: Your Strategic Advantage

Developed by the American Bar Association's International Law Section and credentialed by New York Law School, TechCred is the first executive competency micro-credential specifically designed for international arbitration, mediation, and litigation professionals navigating digital economy disputes.

Created by practicing arbitrators for practicing arbitrators, TechCred bridges the critical gap between traditional dispute resolution expertise and the digital literacy required for tomorrow's practice.

"TechCred isn't about becoming a technologist. It is about maintaining your credibility and effectiveness as digital transformation reshapes international commerce."
— Prof. Barry Appleton, Faculty Director and International Arbitration Professor

What You'll Master in Three Intensive Online Sessions

Program Structure: Three live, interactive online sessions totaling 12 hours
Dates: September 25-26 and October 16, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET each day
Format: Interactive workshops with case studies, live drafting exercises, and peer collaboration

Core Competencies Developed:

Digital Evidence Mastery

• Authenticate blockchain records and smart contract logs

• Evaluate AI-generated documents and automated decisions

• Navigate privacy frameworks and data protection compliance

• Apply traditional evidence rules to digital artifacts

Smart Contract Dispute Resolution

• Determine when algorithmic execution constitutes enforceable consent.

• Interpret code-based agreements and automated performance.

• Address disputes over oracle data and external triggers.

• Handle multi-jurisdictional smart contract enforcement.

Emerging Technology Applications

• Navigate DeFi protocol disputes and governance token issues.

• Resolve NFT ownership and licensing conflicts.

• Address autonomous system liability and decision-making.

• Handle cryptocurrency tracing and recovery.

Ethical and Procedural Frameworks

• Consider how traditional arbitration principles apply to digital scenarios.

• Address jurisdictional challenges in decentralized systems.

• Navigate conflicts of interest in technology-mediated disputes.

• Ensure procedural fairness in algorithm-assisted proceedings.

Practical Applications:

Every session includes live case studies, ensuring immediate applicability to your current and future practice. You'll work through real scenarios involving the types of issues before major international arbitration institutions and leading global law firms.

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The Investment That Pays for Itself

Exclusive Early-Bird Pricing (Register by September 12)

Maximize Your Savings with ABA Membership

Not an ABA member? Join now and save significantly:

• ABA annual dues: $120-$495 (based on years in practice)

• International Law Section membership: $75 annually

• Potential total savings: Up to $1,700 off the non-member rate

JOIN ABA AND SAVE →

Return on Investment Analysis

Compare TechCred to:

• Single day of senior counsel billing (often exceeds program cost)

• Traditional multi-day conferences (higher cost, generic content)

• Lost opportunities from being unprepared for digital disputes

• Client retention risks from lacking required competencies

The reality: A single complex digital dispute mandate can generate fees exceeding TechCred's cost by 20-50x.

Why TechCred Stands Apart

✓ Practitioner-Designed Curriculum — Created by arbitrators who handle digital disputes daily, not academic theorists

✓ No Technical Background Required — Focus on legal competency and practical application, not coding skills

✓ Internationally Recognized Credential — New York Law School accreditation provides global credibility

✓ Annual Renewal Requirement — Ensures your knowledge stays current with rapidly evolving technology

✓ Interactive Learning Format — Live online collaboration with peers facing similar challenges worldwide

✓ Immediate Applicability — Case studies and exercises directly transfer to your current practice

✓ Limited Enrollment — Ensures personalized attention and meaningful peer networking

Join the First Generation of Digital-Credentialed Professionals

International arbitration institutions worldwide are taking notice of TechCred. Early participants will form the foundational network of digitally competent international dispute resolution professionals.

"As international commerce becomes increasingly digital, arbitrators and counsel must evolve or risk irrelevance. TechCred provides the bridge between traditional expertise and digital competency."
— William Hill, Miami-based Arbitrator

Your Digital Competency Starts Here

The legal profession is at an inflection point. Digital transformation is not coming to international disputes: It is already here. The question is not whether you'll encounter digital economy disputes, but whether you'll be prepared when you do.

TechCred ensures you remain at the forefront of international dispute resolution as the profession evolves. In an era where artificial intelligence can draft contracts and blockchain can record transactions, your value lies in your judgment, experience, and ability to apply legal principles to novel situations.

TechCred won't make you a programmer—it will ensure you remain indispensable to clients navigating the digital economy.

Secure Your Place Among Digital Dispute Resolution Leaders

Registration Deadline: August 15, 2025 (Early-Bird Pricing)
Program Begins: September 25, 2025
Enrollment: Limited to ensure quality interaction

The digital economy waits for no one. Early-bird pricing ends August 15—secure your competitive advantage today.

REGISTER FOR TECHCRED →

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Looking Ahead

The legal profession is at an inflection point. Digital transformation is not coming to international disputes—it is already here. The question is not whether you will encounter a digital economy dispute, but how prepared you will be when you do.

TechCred equips arbitrators, counsel, and mediators with the practical tools to navigate these cases with confidence. But the program is only part of the story.

In the months ahead, this publication will share perspectives from TechCred ambassadors and faculty—practitioners, educators, and innovators—on how emerging technologies are reshaping the work we do. Some posts will reflect on recent cases; others will consider broader trends. Not every change is a headline, but each development contributes to the new landscape of international dispute resolution.

We invite you to follow along, join the discussion, and be part of a growing network of professionals thinking critically about what comes next.

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