Corporate Vision Issue 9

10 CORPORATE VISION / Issue 9 2018 , 1809CV02 Aceris Law is a leading boutique arbitration lawfirmbased out of Geneva, Switzerland. Since 2014, the firm’s Partner and Principal, WilliamKirtley has served as lead counsel in commercial, construction and investment arbitrations on a global landscape. In August, Williamwas recognised by Corporate Visionmagazine as the ‘Most Influential International Lawyer of the Year’ in the arbitration sector. We spoke toWilliamon the back of this achievement to see howhe has forged a remarkable career in this challenging legal arena. In the Pursuit of Perfection: Pioneers in an Emerging Industry William Kirtley has forged a formidable reputation over the last twenty years. An alumnus of Harvard and Columbia University, he has established himself as an elite practitioner, and an in-demand arbitration lawyer for international disputes. With Aceris, William has created a firm that is dedicated to embodying the merits of the emerging international arbitration sector. To start, William takes a moment to emphasise the experience and talent behind Aceris; “Aceris practices only in the field of international dispute resolution, but covers all jurisdictions, arbitral institutions and industry sectors, working under most laws and in diverse languages. With Harvard-, Oxford- and Sorbonne-trained lawyers admitted to bars of West- ern Europe, Eastern Europe and North America, and fifteen years of experience specialising solely in the field of international arbi- tration law and procedure, Aceris Law combines excellence, rigour, experience and an outstanding track record, while providing the best rates available for high-qual- ity international arbitration legal representation to its clients.” As a pioneer in the sector, Aceris has made significant efforts to set the groundwork for future suc- cess. For one, they have adopted a client-centric approach to their cases, ensuring that all work is done to guarantee, as much as it can be guaranteed, a favourable result. “There are several steps that Aceris Law takes to ensure the best possible outcome for its clients. First, and most impor- tantly, we do not count the hours of work needed to ensure that a case succeeds. We simply write-off the cost of all additional work that is required for success. Second, communication with cli- ents is important in order to obtain the best possible outcome. While our home office is in Geneva, we maintain permanent access to 120 offices worldwide to meet and work with our clients, while also ensuring constant connectivity via high-speed videoconference. Third, we make significant use of the latest technology. Everything is stored electronically and is fully searchable, for instance. Fourth, we hire only the best and bright- est lawyers, while giving them a personal stake in successful case outcomes.” This approach ties intrinsically into Aceris’ mission statement – a pursuit for perfection. “Our goal is to win every case for every client, providing the highest quality international arbitration legal representation at the most cost-effective rates. International arbitration became too expensive for many clients over the past decade, hindering its growth. Our firm addresses this issue, while also ensuring that there are no trade-offs in terms of quality.” When asked about how Ace- ris distinguishes itself among growing competition, William again addresses the need to be cost-effective, and fair, in their services; “Although our firm’s track record is among the best in the field of international arbitra- tion, we are highly cost-effective and charge a fraction of the legal