The School of Law is delighted to congratulate Associate Professor Virág Blazsek on two important appointments
Dr Blazsek has been appointed to the list of arbitrators of the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA) of OHADA, and to the Insolvency Scholars Forum (ISF) of the Insolvency Law Academy (ILA).
Common Court of Justice and Arbitration of OHADA
The CCJA Arbitration Centre is one of Africa's leading arbitral institutions, playing a pivotal role in the resolution of cross-border commercial disputes and the promotion of legal certainty across the OHADA region. Established to foster economic development through the harmonisation of business law, the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) is widely recognised as one of the world's most successful legal harmonisation initiatives. Its unified legal framework supports commercial integration, investment, and economic growth across its 17 member states in West and Central Africa.
Dr Blazsek has led the International Arbitration module at the University of Leeds School of Law for several years, bringing extensive practical expertise into the classroom. Before returning to academia, she spent a decade in legal practice specialising in commercial, corporate, and banking law, including commercial and investment arbitration.
She says of the appointment:
I am deeply honoured and humbled by this appointment to the CCJA list of arbitrators. OHADA has made an exceptional contribution to legal harmonisation and economic development across Africa, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to the work of such a respected institution. I look forward to supporting the fair and effective resolution of international commercial, corporate, and investment disputes while continuing to bring these experiences into my teaching and research at the University of Leeds.
Her appointment to the CCJA list of arbitrators is a significant international recognition of her expertise and reflects her longstanding contribution to the field of international business law.
Insolvency Scholars Forum of the Insolvency Law Academy
The Insolvency Scholars Forum (ISF) is an invitation-only international forum that brings together leading academics and scholars from around the world to advance education, research, and scholarship in insolvency and restructuring law. Through collaborative research, policy engagement, and mentorship of emerging scholars, the Forum supports the development of evidence-based approaches to insolvency law and policy. Its Steering Committee includes distinguished scholars from leading universities across the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Germany, China, and other jurisdictions.
Dr Blazsek's appointment reflects her internationally recognised research in international corporate insolvency law, banking law, financial regulation, and comparative business law. Her work examines the intersection of insolvency, financial regulation, and corporate governance from both comparative and international perspectives.
Dr Blazsek first engaged with the Insolvency Law Academy through its 2024 Annual Conference in Goa, India, where she presented her research alongside academics, judges, policymakers, and insolvency professionals from across the globe. Reflecting on the conference, she described it as "one of the best conferences I have ever attended", praising the organisers for delivering an intellectually stimulating programme while creating a welcoming and collegial atmosphere.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr Blazsek said:
I am deeply honoured and thrilled to have been invited to join the Insolvency Scholars Forum of the Insolvency Law Academy. I am sincerely grateful to all the colleagues involved for this wonderful opportunity.
Her appointment to the ISF further strengthens the School of Law's international engagement in insolvency and restructuring scholarship and provides new opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers working to shape the future of insolvency law and policy worldwide.
Further Information
- Read the list of CCJA arbitrators
- Further information about the Insolvency Scholars Forum and its Steering Committee
- Dr Blazsek is Deputy Director of the School of Law’s Centre for Business Law and Practice.
