Rebecca Andersen

Six Pump Court - Arbitration Counsel of the Year

Profile

About Rebecca
Rebecca Andersen is an Associate Member of Six Pump Court, a Barristers’ Chambers based in Temple, London. She is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, London.

Rebecca is an accredited international commercial arbitrator and an arbitration counsel. She has held senior legal leadership roles in major global corporations in the USA, UK, HK, Malaysia and Singapore. By the end of 2023, she would have 26 years of work experience as both Advocate/Solicitor and General Counsel. Although based in London, she understands Asia very well. Rebecca is multi-lingual and speaks various Asian languages (e.g. Mandarin) besides fluent English. Rebecca has established herself in the specialised domains of international business disputes, the sale of goods, commodities trading, oil & gas and maritime law.

Rebecca accepts party and institutional appointments in both ad hoc and institutionally administered arbitrations. She is on the panel of various arbitration institutions, namely SIAC (Reserved Panel), AIAC and AIADR. She is also in the ICC Singapore Arbitration Group which receives prospective appointment of arbitrator from the ICC Court.

Rebecca held appointments from Singapore’s Honourable Supreme Courts Judges for leading Committee work in promoting trade and law in the region. Rebecca is regularly invited to speak at conferences in Singapore and abroad.

Rebecca is a Certified Sanctions Specialist, certified to advise sanctions matters imposed by the UK, USA, EU and UN.

Rebecca has a Bachelor of Laws from Wales, and a Master of Laws (specialised in International Business Law) under the examinations from Queen Mary University of London & University College London.

Interview

In an evolving legal landscape, it is imperative to glean insights from those at the forefront of their fields. Today, we sit down with Rebecca Andersen of Six Pump Court, a distinguished legal professional who, driven by a profound desire to make a difference, embarked on a journey into law. From the hallways of criminal justice to the nuances of civil law, and now prominently in the ADR sector, Rebecca has witnessed significant transformations – especially as the world grapples with the aftermath of a global pandemic. Rebecca shares her observations, feelings, and invaluable advice for those aspiring to specialise in ADR.

What was it that first inspired you to practice law?

I was first inspired by a combination of factors. From a young age, I read about how lawyers could use their professional skills to help desperate people and change their lives. How lawyers can help to uphold fairness or vindicate the innocent deeply motivated me. You can hear that I dreamt about being a criminal lawyer when I was fresh from law school. However, fate took me instead to a civil path, but I never looked back as I had many good years, and still counting.

Can you share any significant trends you have observed in the ADR sector in the past year?

Yes, I observed that the pandemic has enabled virtual ADR proceedings, and people started to believe that dispute resolution can be done remotely. People also showed an increasing interest in expedited arbitration in response to uncertainty brought about by Covid-19, and to enhance efficiency, many technology tools (e.g. AI-powered case management systems, secure digital document exchanges) have been leveraged. ESG considerations are also influencing ADR as parties are more inclined now to seek ADR processes that align with sustainability goals and ethical business practices.
What does this award mean to you?

This arbitration award motivates me to continue pursuing excellence in my legal career. It gives me recognition and validation of my abilities and encourages me to embrace further challenges. Ultimately, this award signifies an enduring source of inspiration to uphold the principles of integrity, perseverance, and ethical practice in my legal and arbitration career.

Do you have any words of advice for less experienced legal practitioners considering an ADR specialisation?

Yes, “B U R N”

B – “Business”. As ADR often involves commercial interest, having Business acumen and understanding the financial implications of the dispute is of great importance.

U – “Understanding”. Invest time in thoroughly understanding the various ADR methods to make informed decisions on which areas to specialise in.
“R” -“Resilience. ADR requires Resilience because not all cases will have immediate resolutions, and cases may be complex, so maintaining a positive outlook is essential.

“N” – Networking. Networking (seminars, workshops, industry events) can lead to valuable collaborations and opportunities.