What are the characteristics of a good arbitrator?

Asked by: Ms. Sabryna Stark  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (26 votes)

An effective arbitrator should have thorough understanding of the differences between arbitration and litigation. They must understand that the purpose of arbitration is speed and efficiency, and therefore litigation procedures like discovery and motion practice should be limited.

What are the qualities of an arbitrator?

In many ways, an arbitrator is like a judge, listening to both sides and passing down a final decision. Above all else, an arbitrator must be impartial. A great arbitrator should uphold ethical standards without succumbing to pressure or corruption.

What skills do you think a great arbitrator needs?

Arbitrators must possess the qualities, knowledge, and skills to deliver the benefits of arbitration—speed, economy, and justice—and to instill in parties the confidence that they can capably do so. In other words, a great arbitrator is schooled in both the “science” and the “art” of arbitration.

What not to say during arbitration?

Always get straight to the merits without berating the other side or whining about how badly it has treated you. Another threat to your credibility is the “kitchen sink” arbitration demand or a response that includes numerous claims or defenses that have little chance of succeeding.

What is the main characteristic of arbitration?

Arbitration is known for its procedural flexibility, which allows parties to engage in an efficient, confidential and fair process leading to a final, binding and enforceable award.

Arbitrators on What Makes a Good Arbitrator

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Who usually wins in arbitration?

An empirical study conducted by economic firm ndp | analytics and released by ILR shows that employees and consumers win more money, more often, and more quickly in arbitration than in a lawsuit. Employees were more likely to win in arbitration (almost 38 percent) than in a lawsuit (almost 11 percent).

How to choose an arbitrator?

How to Select an Arbitrator
  1. the expertise of the arbitrator in public international law and international investment law;
  2. the arbitrator's experience in arbitration, especially investment arbitration;
  3. the arbitrator's experience in the subject matter or specific area of law raised by the case;

What voids an arbitration?

As a general rule, only strong evidence of duress or fraud are sufficient to invalidate an arbitration clause. It is worth noting that many state courts will to set aside arbitration agreements where the parties have vastly disparate bargaining power (such as between employers and employees).

How to win an arbitration hearing?

Arguments should flow easily from the relevant facts and applicable law. Avoid exaggerating the strengths of your case as well as disparaging the opposing side. Remember that professionalism and credibility are critical to persuasiveness.

Who has the burden of proof in arbitration?

24(1) of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules is an exception and provides: “Each party shall have the burden of proving the facts relied on to support his claim or defense.” This burden is thus of critical importance. The arbitrator should apply it unless he is functioning as an amiable compositeur.

Who makes a good arbitrator?

An effective arbitrator should have thorough understanding of the differences between arbitration and litigation. They must understand that the purpose of arbitration is speed and efficiency, and therefore litigation procedures like discovery and motion practice should be limited.

What is challenging an arbitrator?

Any arbitrator may be challenged if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator's impartiality or independence. However, a party may challenge its own appointed arbitrator only for reasons of which it becomes aware after the appointment has been made.

What are five traits of a good peer mediator?

5 Characteristics of a Great Mediator
  • Trustworthiness. A good mediator inspires trust. ...
  • Approachability. Good mediators are seen as friendly, empathetic, and respectful. ...
  • Dedication. Dedication is a sterling quality in all professionals, and mediators are no exception. ...
  • Perceptiveness. ...
  • Impartial.

What skills does an arbitrator need?

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators must be able to clearly present and explain information, both orally and in writing, to opposing parties to settle disputes.
  • Critical-thinking skills. ...
  • Decision-making skills. ...
  • Detail oriented. ...
  • Interpersonal skills.

What can an arbitrator not do?

An Arbitrator should not use confidential information acquired during the Arbitration proceeding to gain personal advantage or advantage of others, or to affect adversely the interest of another. An Arbitrator should not inform anyone of the decision in advance of giving it to all Parties.

What must be the decision made by an arbitrator?

must not be arbitrary; must be arrived at by a reasoning process as opposed to one based on conjecture, fantasy, guesswork or hallucination; the arbitrator must have applied his mind seriously to the issues at hand; and. must have been based on conclusions that are justifiable, defensible and logical.

Who goes first in arbitration?

In most cases, the party that started the arbitration initially by filing a claim will present their case first and the opposing party will then have an opportunity to present their defense, but the arbitrator will ultimately decide the order.

What are the odds of winning arbitration?

Odds of winning in employment arbitration

For example, an employee complained that she's been biased and unfair. For example, research by Colvin reveals employees win 36.4 percent of discrimination cases in federal court and 43.8 percent in state court, but only 21.4 percent in arbitration.

Who pays for an arbitration hearing?

The parties each pay their own costs to conduct their case. Parties will likely not encounter all of the above costs on every case, and the amount of these costs, and which party must pay them, is different depending on the case and the rules that apply.

What cannot be solved by arbitration?

Generally, disputes in rem which are regarding a thing or property can't be resolved through arbitration, while disputes in personam regarding a selected person are often.

Can you sue an arbitrator?

Several jurisdictions have recorded a rise in lawsuits against international arbitrators and arbitral institutions in national courts (p. 13). These cases are occasionally unfounded and may be initiated by disgruntled parties who are dissatisfied with the outcome of an award.

What matters are not allowed in arbitration?

1 of Act 49 of 1996.] A reference to arbitration shall not be permissible in respect of- (a) any matrimonial cause or any matter incidental to any such cause; or (b) any matter relating to status.

How to find a good arbitrator?

What Factors Should be Considered When Choosing an Arbitrator?
  1. Selection Process in Arbitration Agreement. ...
  2. Procedural Experience. ...
  3. Substantive Experience. ...
  4. Diversity. ...
  5. Availability. ...
  6. Due Diligence. ...
  7. Disclosures and Disqualification.

What is the average cost of an arbitrator?

This person serves as a neutral third party who will ultimately make a binding or non-binding decision in your case. Private arbitrators in California can charge anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per hour.

What cases are best for arbitration?

Auto Accidents: Arbitration is often used in auto accident cases, particularly when the dispute involves the extent of injuries, the amount of damages, or insurance coverage issues. If both parties agree, arbitration can quickly resolve the matter without a prolonged and expensive jury trial.