The latest iteration of the ICC Rules of Arbitration-the 2012 Rules-is the result of one of the most extensive, consultative exercises ever undertaken by the ICC. A decision to review and revise the highly regarded 1998 Rules was taken by the ICC Commission on Arbitration in October 2008. In the months that followed, members of the Commission and of the Task Force set up by the Commission, together with members of the international arbitration community at large, submitted a very considerable number of comments and proposals for changes to the Drafting Sub-Committee tasked with the production of a draft of the new Rules.

Commission Chairman Peter Wolrich, who, with Michael Bühler and Laurie Craig, chaired the Drafting Sub-Committee, explains the genesis of the new Rules in some detail in his preface to this book. It is right, however, that I, too, acknowledge the contribution to the successful conclusion of this exercise of so many individuals, including in-house counsel, whose views were widely canvassed, and the members of the parallel Task Force considering the new Rules from the point of view of state parties under the able chairmanship of Eduardo Silva Romero and Peter Goldsmith. Such comprehensive consultations and the changes resulting from them reflected in the new Rules demonstrate the extent to which the ICC has taken account of the views of users of its Rules.

The 2012 Rules remain true to the drafting ethos of previous editions of the Rules. Nothing has been changed for the sake of change. Such changes and innovations as have been made reflect the dramatic evolution in the nature and scope of the Court's user base and practice in the fourteen years since the promulgation of the 1998 Rules, not least the explosion in the numbers of multiparty disputes (particularly from Latin America), the all-pervasive use of electronic media and means of communication, and increasing pressure on arbitrators and institutions alike to ensure that time and cost constraints are respected.

User demands included assurances as to the availability of arbitrators; early clarification of the nature and basis of claims; the ability to call upon an emergency arbitrator procedure; and more certainty as to when an award might be expected after the conclusion of a hearing and the filing of post-hearing briefs. In large part, these demands have been met in the new Articles 4(3), subparagraphs (c) and (d); 11(2); 29; and 27, subparagraph (b). Multi-party disputes are the subject of Articles 7-10 of the 2012 Rules, a group of provisions that constitute one of the principal innovations of the new Rules.

Traditionally the ICC has laid, and continues to lay, great store upon the ability of the parties to ICC arbitration to agree upon substantial elements of the procedure applicable to "their" arbitration and their expectation that such agreements will be respected. In turn, it is to be hoped that parties will take full advantage of the opportunity to play an active part in the shaping of the arbitral procedure as Article 24 and, specifically, Article 24(4), of the new Rules invites them to do. The importance of this element of direct party involvement cannot be overstated.

The Guide, which takes the reader through the 2012 Rules from start to finish, will be an indispensable work of reference for all involved in ICC arbitration, whether they come new to such proceedings or are "old hands", and whether they do so as a party, counsel or arbitrator. While the 2012 Rules have already been the subject of numerous commentaries, none could be as authoritative a Guide as that which Jason Fry, Simon Greenberg and Francesca Mazza have compiled.

Not only were all three authors intimately involved in the drafting of the new Rules, but as three of the then most senior members of the Secretariat, their knowledge of the practices of the Court and Secretariat is unrivalled. All three authors have also overseen the revision of all of the Secretariat's standard form letters and other administrative documentation to ensure their compatibility with the provisions of the new Rules-a daunting task in itself. There is simply no one better qualified to provide a detailed overview of the new Rules and their operation. At the time of publication, all three of the authors will have taken up new posts outside the ICC or be on the point of doing so. This final contribution on their part to the work of the Court and Secretariat is consistent with the qualities of excellence and commitment that have been the hallmark of their work while at the ICC and for which, on behalf of the ICC Court, I offer my thanks and sincere appreciation.

John Beechey

President

ICC International Court of Arbitration