Stephen Townley | Arbitration

About

With over 35 years of legal practice, this neutral has transitioned from a career as a general counsel and international lawyer to a full-time dispute resolution professional. His background includes extensive work in international commercial arbitration and mediation, with a specific focus on complex disputes involving technology, media, and telecommunications. He has served as an arbitrator or mediator in numerous high-stakes cases across multiple jurisdictions, often involving cross-border elements and emerging digital technologies.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Entertainment & Media Intellectual Property Personal Injury & Torts Technology & Cyber

Professional Experience

JAMS (Arbitrator and Mediator)

Townley Law (Principal)

Active Rights Management (Founder)

Townleys (Founding Partner)

Freshfields (Associate)

Publications Leadership

Contributor to various journals on the intersection of law and technology
Frequent speaker at international arbitration conferences regarding digital assets and AI
Author of texts focusing on sports and media law rights and dispute resolution
Leadership roles within international legal committees focused on intellectual property

Positioning Takeaways

A dual-qualified legal expert providing specialized arbitration services for international technology and media disputes.

License & Certifications

Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales
Admitted to the Bar of the State of New York
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)

Education

Law

University of Oxford

Distinction

Dual-qualified in both New York and England and Wales with deep expertise in the commercialization of data and technology rights.

Reputation

He is regarded by peers and clients as a highly analytical and commercially-minded neutral who excels in navigating the technical complexities of the media and tech sectors.

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