Biography

Laurie E. Foster is an independent arbitrator based in New York, focusing on complex commercial disputes, including cross-border matters involving foreign law and jurisdictional issues.

She previously served as a Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and was a member of its international arbitration practice group. Earlier in her career, she practiced at Lord Day & Lord, Barrett Smith.

Her experience spans a wide range of industries and subject matters, including insurance coverage, commercial contracts, corporate transactions, and related disputes.

Professional Experience

Current
Independent Arbitrator, Foster Resolution (2020-Present)
Attorney Work History
Partner / Senior Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (1994–2019)
Partner / Associate, Lord Day & Lord, Barrett Smith (1977–1994)

Representative Experience

Appointments have included matters involving:

  • Commercial contracts and supply agreements

  • Insurance and reinsurance disputes

  • Corporate transactions

  • International distribution and cross-border disputes

  • Maritime matters

  • Consumer disputes

Representative Matters

  • Panel Member in AAA commercial arbitration involving subcontractor insurance coverage dispute (approximately $16 million in dispute)

  • Panel Chair in ICDR arbitration involving international distribution agreement and mandatory application of French commercial law

  • Sole Arbitrator in ICDR arbitration involving jurisdictional challenges and application of foreign law, with award subject to enforcement proceedings in Brazil

  • Sole Arbitrator in expedited proceeding involving breach of representations and warranties in a share purchase agreement arising from alleged fraud in China

  • Panel Chair in ICDR arbitration involving claims by a U.S. law firm against foreign clients for unpaid professional fees

  • Sole Arbitrator in insurance coverage dispute involving London insurers and multi-million dollar claims

  • Panel Member in cross-border acquisition dispute in the energy sector

Professional Affiliations & Distinctions

  • Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. 

  • Former Co-Chair, American Bar Association International Arbitration Committee

  • ArbitralWomen

Arbitration Training & Professional Development

Laurie E. Foster has completed advanced training in international commercial arbitration, including a Diploma in International Arbitration (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, 2007), and continues to participate in professional development programs relating to arbitral procedure, case management, and emerging issues in dispute resolution.

Professional Licenses

  • Admitted to the Bar, New York;

  • U.S. District Court: Southern and Eastern Districts of New York;

  • U.S. Court of Appeals: First, Second, Fifth, Ninth and Tenth Circuits;

  • U.S. Supreme Court.

Education

  • Vassar College (BA, Philosophy-1974);

  • Columbia University School of Law (J.D., Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar-1977). ‍ ‍