Introduction

When it comes to drafting dispute resolution clauses in contracts involving Russian parties, it is almost every foreign party's preference to include an international arbitration clause. In the eyes of many foreigners, the spectre of corruption and improper interference haunts Russian courthouses, making international arbitration the only acceptable option. However, there are some cases when a foreign party will agree to a Russian courts' jurisdiction clause. For example, in certain circumstances the choice will be dictated by a significantly stronger Russian counterparty, such ...