Wolf has unparalleled experience in disputes related to the Aviation & Aerospace, Defence, Compliance, Investor/State, IP, Cyber Security and Technology Industries.

He is a founding member of the Aerospace, Aviation and National Security panel of AAA. Having worked for Northrop Grumman Corporation a major aircraft manufacturer for the US Airforce contributing to such iconic aircraft as the F15, B2 Bomber, the GlobalHawk and the F35, he is well versed in the design, manufacture and supply of aircraft systems globally. He is also highly experienced dealing with global aerospace supply chains and the issues associated therewith.

He is also specializing in aerospace/aviation disputes arising out of the energy transition and climate change.

His aviation disputes experience includes:

• Aircraft manufacturing and supply contracts
• Procurement issues
• Certification issues
• Aircraft joint venture, syndicate and partnering disputes
• Aircraft sale, leasing and financing agreements
• Aviation insurance and reinsurance claims
• Warranty and repair claims
• Aircraft crash investigations
• IP and licensing related claims

Wolf is a leading international ADR figure working together with ICSID, CEDR and the Energy Charter Treaty Secretariat to develop protocols and policies, as well as training to enable the use of mediation in investor-state disputes. In the process he contributed to the Investor State Mediation Guide for the Energy Charter Treaty Secretariat. He is active in developing the field of Investor State mediation together with ICSID, CEDR, IMI and the ECT. He has worked with several countries to put in place mediation protocols to be used in disputes with investors and has actively worked with them to resolve investor disputes through mediation and arbitration.

Wolf is a founding member of the ADGM/CEDR Investor-state mediation panel in Abu Dhabi specialising in energy transition disputes. He is also appointed by the President of the World Bank Group to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes  (ICSID) Panel Of Conciliators. 

Wolf has worked for and with several global engineering companies. He has a broad understanding for research, development and implementation of multi-party, complex engineering and technology programmes. In this context, he is extremely familiar with the workings of joint venture infrastructure projects and the issues arising from them. He has acquired broad technical and commercial engineering expertise, which he is now utilising in complex, high value engineering disputes. In particular, his engineering experience extends to:

• Research and Development
• Infrastructure projects
• Complex Joint venture arrangements
• Satellite systems
• Navigation systems
• Mechanical
• Civil
• Electrical
• Industrial

Wolf has worked for and with several global engineering companies. He has a broad understanding for research, development and implementation of multi-party, complex engineering and technology programmes. In this context, he is extremely familiar with the workings of joint venture infrastructure projects and the issues arising from them. He has acquired broad technical and commercial engineering expertise, which he is now utilising in complex, high value engineering disputes. In particular, his engineering experience extends to:

• Research and Development
• Infrastructure projects
• Complex Joint venture arrangements
• Satellite systems
• Navigation systems
• Mechanical
• Civil
• Electrical
• Industrial

Wolf was the General Counsel for Sperry Marine, a global manufacturer supplier of sophisticated marine equipment. In this capacity, he acquired a good knowledge for the maritime shipbuilding and shipping industries, together with related issues. He has been involved in several maritime disputes, as counsel, arbitrator and mediator. His experience includes:

• Marine equipment manufacture and supply
• Shipbuilding (commercial and defence)
• Maritime satellite communication systems
• Ship collision investigations
• Maritime security
• Environmental issues

Wolf has extensive experience in both the insurance and reinsurance markets as counsel, arbitrator and mediator. This experience is garnered from several decades as in house counsel for several commercial companies with global operations. This expertise extends to the following areas of cover:

• Property
• Professional Indemnity
• Commercial
• Health
• Environmental

Wolf has broad energy dispute resolution experience in both downstream, upstream and renewable energy such as solar and wind projects and has been involved in energy exploration and transit disputes. He was Counsel for Western Atlas (Schlumberger purchased the company in 2006) in its oil and gas exploration and drilling activity globally. Wolf also represented Western Atlas in disputes with States and commercial parties. In addition, he worked extensively with The Energy Charter Treaty Organization in relation to energy transit matters and sit on the ECT panel for transit disputes.

Wolf has acted as counsel, arbitrator and mediator in energy related disputes covering the following matters:

• exploration and drilling
• transportation and trading;
• energy transit;
• supply and marketing;
• infrastructure for oil and gas projects;
• concession disputes with States;
• renewable energy disputes respecting wind and solar projects.

Wolf has been a thought leader in developing ADR mechanisms to deal with the increasing number of environmentally related disputes arising out of Climate Change. He has worked with several leading energy producers to identify areas of dispute risk arising from Energy Transition and developing ADR mechanisms to mitigate those risks utilising his own extensive disputes experience. He has written and spoken on the topic at major Institutional events this year including ICCA, the IBA, the ABA, and several Regional dispute week events. Wolf’s focus is on providing the following energy transition dispute resolution services:

• Facilitated negotiation
• Mediation
• Adjudication
• Arbitration
• Conflict Avoidance Boards

Wolf worked for over 25 years with several defence companies that pioneered the field of cyber technology. In that role he was at the cutting edge of developments and acquired a good understanding for cyber vulnerabilities and defences. He has been involved in the development of blockchain technology and understands its vulnerabilities. He was also involved in several cyber related disputes in which his security clearances were essential. He currently sits on the board of a cyber “Think Tank” and has knowledge related to: 

• Ransomware  
• Phishing  
• Data leakage  
• Hacking  
• Insider threats  
• Blockchain and cryptocurrency  
• Software vulnerabilities  
• Machine learning and AI attacks 

Wolf also has solid AI experience having consulted with several AI developers in the legal disputes field. He understands the ethical, IP, regulatory and data privacy aspects arising in this filed.  He was involved in successfully mediating a major gaming industry dispute that had an important AI element. 

Wolf’s technology experience extends to artificial intelligence and crypto-currency which he has first-hand dispute experience in arbitration and mediation. Whilst at Northrup Grumman he became well versed in satellite and space technology, aerospace and aero disputes. He therefore has a good grasp on how these technologies are developed, deployed and the types of disputes arising from them. 

Wolf has a certificate in Family Law from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Canada. He has been active in developing mediation processes for family business disputes and understands the balance between commercial and family relationship considerations in them. In addition, in his mediation practise Wolf has dealt with numerous partnership disputes both with family and non-family members. This puts him in an ideal position to understand the intricacies of such disputes and help in developing appropriate commercially based resolutions for them.

Wolf is also an expert in process design which is an important element in resolving disputes of this nature.

Mediation

Wolf is also a certified CEDR mediator and American Arbitration Association Master Mediator. He has mediated numerous types of commercial disputes and sits on the mediation panels of CEDR, AIAC, WIPO, SCCA and the AAA/ICDR. He has also been active in the DIFC in Dubai and the ADGM in Abu Dhabi. Disputes have largely been cross-border and include locations in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, Abu Dhabi, Washington, Toronto, Frankfurt, and London.

As mediator, Wolf has experience in complex, high-value disputes, often involving complex multi-party process design capability. He also has Co-mediation experience and has developed experience in investor-State mediation involving multiple stakeholders. His Commercial mediation experience particularly in the following areas: Aerospace, Aviation, Energy, Environmental and energy transition, Technology, Cyber, Maritime, Insurance, and Construction/Infrastructure.

“Wolf is well placed to understand the needs of business people.”

Dispute Boards

Wolf has applied his accumulated knowledge to the field of global commercial conflict avoidance and resolution and he has been involved in the implementation of Dispute Boards in various regions of the World.

These boards have been used in the aerospace and technology sectors where long-term commitments and relationships required conflicts to be dealt with expeditiously and cost-effectively, permitting projects to be delivered. His previous dispute board experience has related to: defense projects, joint venture undertakings, green projects, and infrastructure programs.

As Assistant General Counsel at Northrop, Wolf was responsible for developing a dispute management process including an ADR Policy, Guidelines and International Dispute Clauses. In addition, he was involved in its international compliance program and complex regulatory investigations. Wolf’s expertise also includes development and implementation of specialized global Early Issue Conflict Management (EICM) programs such as conflict avoidance structures, single and co-mediation programs, and board room and partnership dispute programs.

Arbitration

Wolf has extensive experience in AAA, ICDR, ICC, LCIA and AIAC and ad hoc cases. Seats have included Geneva, London, New York, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

• Claim by a satellite Network provider against a satellite manufacturer, for failure to properly meet licensing requirements for required satellite orbit deployment. Cross-border dispute, ICC Rules – Seated in NY
• Cross border supply contract dispute.
• Maritime claim respecting ownership of a Superyacht.
• Dispute respecting commercial terms governing a distribution agreement in the Middle East.
• Aerospace claim for failure to achieve airworthiness certification.
• Aviation/Aerospace claim for return of faulty aircraft engines.
• Engineering/Technology claim by Ministry of Defence for non-performance of engine control unit in frigate.
• Engineering/Technology claim for improper design of radar installation.
• Commercial Contracts claim regarding breach of contract for late delivery of machines to a major infrastructure project.
• Commercial Contracts termination for convenience claim on a large Middle Eastern project.
• Insurance dispute over the payment of a reinsurance claim at shipyard damaged by hurricane.
• Intellectual Property dispute concerning breach of software license agreement on a large South Korean project.
• Property dispute concerning major environmental indemnification claim under a transaction
• agreement.
• Sale of goods and services claim for sale of faulty switches to be used in an engine control system.
• Sale of good and services claim for delivery of faulty construction equipment.
• Aviation/Aerospace claim by major aircraft manufacturer for deficient system design leading to crash of aircraft.
• Aviation/Aerospace claim by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) for non-performance of aircraft design.
• Aviation/Aerospace claim by UK Ministry of Defence related to early warning system on military jet.
• Aviation/Aerospace claim by French Ministry of Defence related to Tracker Aircraft.
• Engineering/Technology claim for improper software design for the London Ambulance services.
• Commercial contracts dispute concerning breach of contract for failure to deliver a working
• software program on an emergency response system.
• Commercial contracts claim for consequential damages for delivery of faulty switches to a major City communication system.
• Investor State claim against Government of Egypt for expropriation.
• Investor State claim against Government of Libya for expropriation.
• Investor State claim against Government of Venezuela for expropriation.
• Corporate Fraud claim for payment of bribe in a public procurement contract.
• Corporate Fraud claim concerning money laundering in a complex multi-national commercial
• deal.
• Employment and workplace dispute over scope of duties provision in an employment agreement.
• Insurance dispute over calculation of a major property claim.
• Intellectual property dispute over conversion of a proprietary design by a competitor.
• Intellectual property patent infringement claim respecting an aircraft guidance system.
• Property claim involving remediation under a property lease agreement.
• Sale of goods and services claim for improper installation of a ship’s guidance system.
• Shipping/Maritime dispute over design provisions in a shipbuilding contract.
• Major Italian Tax case involving the payment of dividends to a European holding company.
• Dutch case on tax jurisdiction of a European multinational company.

Mediation

Recent examples of his mediation experience include:

• Multi-million dollar contractual dispute involving aircraft engine supply contracts.
• Family business dispute in the Middle East respecting siblings and a medical practise.
• Multimillion dollar ($21 Million) dispute in the aviation industry focused on the breach of a joint venture agreement pursuant to the AAA mediation rules.
• Multimillion dollar dispute in the construction of a glass manufacturing plant for the auto industry by an American Company against a Spanish manufacturer pursuant to the ICDR mediation rules.
• $6.1 Million dispute respecting adjustments and warranties on the sale of an IT Defense Contractor.
• Complex multi-party cross border licensing dispute in the gaming industry, with a value of over $20 Million held pursuant to the CEDR mediation rules.
• Multi-party $12 Million fraud claim stemming from a real estate investment in New York City held pursuant to the AAA-ICDR rules.
• Accounting industry dispute respecting reputational and breach of contract matters pursuant to the CEDR mediation rules.
• Multimillion dollar dispute in the aviation industry focused on the breach of a support contract pursuant to the AAA mediation rules.
• Claim for $5 Million by the purchaser of a glass manufacturing system for the auto industry by an American Company against a Spanish manufacturer pursuant to the ICDR mediation rules.
• Claim by a satellite Network provider against a satellite manufacturer, for failure to properly meet licensing requirements for required satellite orbit deployment. Cross-border dispute, ICC Rules –Seated in NY.
• Aviation claim (multi-million dollars) respecting an airline brokerage agreement.
• Aviation/Aerospace claim against supplier for deficient navigation devices.
• Aviation/Aerospace claim related to the interpretation of an aircraft leasing contract.
• Engineering/Technology claim for improper design of a security monitoring system.
• Engineering/Technology claim for improper installation of radar masts.
• Commercial contracts supply chain issue respecting sale of counterfeit parts.
• Corporate Fraud claim against finance director for fraud.
• Employment & Workplace claim for bullying against manager.
• Employment & Workplace dispute over termination of a company director.
• Insurance dispute over interpretation of policy wording in a business interruption cover.
• Intellectual Property claim for breach of intellectual property agreement by a subcontractor.
• Intellectual Property software license dispute related to a defence project in the Middle East.
• Partnership & Shareholder dispute over termination provision in a shareholder agreement.
• Partnership & Shareholder dispute between JV partners over settlement of a major contracts claim.
• Partnership & Shareholder dispute between shareholders over sale of a business.
• Partnership & Shareholder dispute by doctors in a medical partnership over revenue sharing.
• Property claim respecting water pollution on a former industrial site in Paris.
• Sale of goods and services claim for design inappropriate computer equipment
• Shipping/Maritime dispute over installation of bridge system on a cruise ship.
• Shipping/Maritime claim for damage caused to a super yacht for deficient engine controls.
• Shipping/Maritime dispute respecting a Charter party Contract.
• Tax dispute over tax provision in an employee multi jurisdiction employment contract.

Career History

• July 2021 - Member Arbitra International 
• April 2019- Member Int-Arb
• 2015– March 2020 – Member ArbDB Chambers – London, England
• 2015 -March 2020 - Consulting Counsel Bird & Bird- London
• 2000- 2015 European Legal Director Assistant General Counsel Northrop Grumman Corporation European HQ – London, England
• 1992 – 2000 European Legal Director Litton International SA European HQ – Zurich, Switzerland Litton Industries Inc.
• 1987 - 1992 Vice President, Counsel and Assistant Secretary to Litton Systems Canada Limited (a subsidiary of Litton Industries, Inc.), a 3'000 employee aerospace electronics manufacturer having facilities in Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax, Canada.
• 1985 - 1987 Litigation Associate - Smith, Lyons, Torrence, Stevenson, & Mayer Toronto, Ontario,
• Canada

Education

• 1989 Solicitor's Final Examination - The Law Society England and Wales
• 1984 - 1985 University of Cambridge, United Kingdom - LL.M. Master of Law International Commercial Law
• 1981 - 1982 Law Society of Upper Canada, Toronto, Ontario Bar Admission Course Barrister and Solicitor - April, 1982
• 1977 - 1980 Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ontario - LL.B. Bachelor of Law
• 1974 - 1977 York University, Toronto, Ontario - B.A. History and Political Science

• Former Chairman and former Director of the International Mediation Institute (IMI)
• Former Director American Arbitration Association (AAA-ICDR)
• Director the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR)
• Former Chair of the Board of Management Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
• Former Member of the Steering Committee of the CCIAG (Corporate Counsel International Arbitration Group

Mediation & Arbitral Panels 

• International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Panel of Conciliators (ICSID)
• Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR)
• Fellow of Civil Mediation Council (CMC)
• Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
• Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)
• World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
• Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)
• The American Arbitration Association/ The International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA/ICDR)
• London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
• Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
• Abu Dhabi International Financial Centre (ADGM)
• Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR)
• Shanghai Arbitration Commission (SHAC)
• Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA)
• Investor State Mediation Panel Abu Dhabi (ADGM/CEDR)

• “The Climate Emergency Disputes Crisis Affecting Industry Today” – September 2024 – IBA Business Law International Vol 25 No 3
• “The Development of Investor-State Mediation and its Future in Supporting Energy Transition” – 2022 Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
• “The Use of Conflict Avoidance Boards in Green Projects: A Conflict Avoidance Blueprint for Global Enviromental Sustainability” – October 2021
• “Investor State Mediation and the Singapore Convention” March 2021
• The Time for Investor State Mediation has Come: A Concept Paper, June 2020
• “Seven Keys to unlock Mediations golden age” – June 2020
• GC Insider: Aviation and Aerospace Supply Chains- At the Tipping Point
• “Mediations in an emergency – GC Magazine” March 2020
• “The Energy Charter Treaty and ADR in the context of Investor-State and other Disputes” January 21, 2016
• Corporate ADR Systems; “Implementing a Corporate ADR Policy and Formulating ADR Guidelines
• “Investor-state dispute settlement reconceptionalized: Regulation of disputes, standards and mediation” [Vol. 18: 467, 2017]
• “What the Nordic Banking Scandals Can Teach us about Corporate Culture”
• Boeing 737: “Mediation and the Resolution of Complex Supply Chain Issues”
• Making Mediation Mainstream - ADR in Business Volume II – Wolter Kluwer
• Using ADR as a tool for Containing Legal Risk -Legal Risk Management, Governance and Compliance – Globe Law and Business
• The Future of Mediation in Europe – ADR, Arbitration and Mediation - CIArb
• CEDR “Understanding Investor-State Mediation” January 2022
• The use of Conflict Avoidance Boards in Green Projects: A conflict avoidance Blueprint for Global Environmental Sustainability – Business Law International, Vol 23, No 1, January 2022.
• The development of Investor State mediation and it’s future in supporting Energy Transition – The International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management.