Justice Rivkin brings over four decades of legal expertise to the SICC, enhancing its global arbitration capabilities.
The President of the Republic of Singapore, acting under the Constitution, has officially appointed Justice David Wolfe Rivkin as an International Judge (IJ) to the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) for a term spanning from 1 April 2024 to 4 January 2027. This appointment marks a significant enhancement of the SICC’s bench with Justice Rivkin’s extensive experience in international law.
Justice Rivkin, hailing from the United States, boasts a distinguished career in both private and public international law. A Yale University alumnus, he graduated with a B.A. magna cum laude in history before earning his J.D. from Yale Law School. His professional journey commenced with a clerkship at the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, followed by a long tenure at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where he made substantial contributions as a partner and co-chair of the International Dispute Resolution Group.
Known for his focus on international arbitration of public law disputes, including those under bilateral investment treaties, Justice Rivkin has also concentrated on international commercial arbitrations and transnational litigation. His legal acumen extends to various sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, construction, and sports law, making him a globally recognized figure in international arbitration. Chambers Global and other prestigious legal directories have consistently lauded him as a leading practitioner in the field.
Justice Rivkin’s appointment is expected to bolster the SICC’s role in resolving complex international disputes, reflecting Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a world-class legal infrastructure for commercial arbitration. His experience in leadership roles across prominent arbitration institutions worldwide, including the International Bar Association and the Council of the American Law Institute, underscores his profound influence on the development of international arbitration standards and practices.
This appointment brings the total number of Judges in the Supreme Court to 34, with 21 serving as International Judges, highlighting the Court’s expansive and diverse judicial expertise.
