What are the grounds to disqualify an arbitrator?

Asked by: Mr. Brenden Feest Jr.  |  Last update: June 12, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (30 votes)

An arbitrator may be disqualified on the ground of incapacity, manifest lack of the qualities required by Article 8 of the Arbitration (Additional Facility) Rules or ineligibility for appointment under Article 7 of the Arbitration (Additional Facility) Rules (Articles 14 and 15(1) of the ICSID Arbitration (Additional ...

What are the disqualifications of an arbitrator?

An arbitrator may be disqualified on account of any fact indicating a manifest lack of the qualities required by Article 14(1) of the ICSID Convention or on the ground that the arbitrator was ineligible for appointment to the Tribunal under Articles 37 to 40 of the ICSID Convention (see Article 57 of the ICSID ...

What are the AAA rules for disqualification of arbitrators?

Under the AAA's various rules, an arbitrator may be subject to disqualification for: 1. Partiality or lack of independence 2. Inability or refusal to perform his or her duties with diligence and in good faith, and 3.

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.

When can an arbitrator be removed?

In terms of Section 14 of the Arbitration Act, the mandate of the arbitrator shall terminate and he shall be substituted by another arbitrator if the arbitrator becomes de jure or de facto unable to perform his functions or for other reasons fails to act without undue delay.

Challenging an Arbitrator: Grounds for Removal in Arbitration

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Can arbitration be dismissed?

Executive Summary: On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Smith v. Spizzirri, holding that federal district courts have no discretion under Section 3 of the Federal Arbitration Act (“the FAA”) to dismiss a case once the district court has determined that the claims properly belong in arbitration.

How do you stop an arbitrator?

These include:
  1. Mutual agreement to terminate arbitration - if both parties agree to stop the arbitration process, they can jointly decide to terminate it. ...
  2. Removal of arbitrator by court – A court can remove an arbitrator if a party requests it, based on certain conditions as provided in the Arbitration Act.

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).

What are 2 disadvantages of arbitration?

Cons:
  • Limited Appeal Options: One of the most significant downsides of arbitration is that it offers very limited options for appeal. ...
  • Potentially Less Oversight: The informal nature of the arbitration process could lead to less regulatory oversight, making it crucial to choose a reputable arbitrator.

How long does an arbitrator have to make a decision?

The arbitrator closes the record and, no more than 30 days later, issues a decision addressing all claims raised in the arbitration. The award may direct one or more parties to pay another party a monetary amount, or it may direct parties to take specific actions.

How do I remove an arbitrator?

Pursuant to Article 6 of the Commercial Arbitration Code, an application under Article 14 to remove an arbitrator can be made to the Federal Court or “any superior, county or district court”.

What is the rule 19 in arbitration?

Rule 19.

The Arbitrator and the Parties shall attempt to schedule consecutive Hearing days if more than one day is necessary.

What is the burden of proof in arbitration AAA?

In order for the arbitrator to decide in favor of a party, the party must provide sufficient clear and convincing evidence to support their claims. This is known as meeting the “burden of proof.” The arbitrator will determine whether the party has met their burden of proof.

What disqualifies an arbitrator AAA?

The AAA's decision on disqualification is final and binding. (AAA Employment Rule 16(b).) If the parties agree in writing that the party-appointed arbitrators are nonneutral, the arbitrators cannot be disqualified for partiality or lack of independence (AAA Employment Rule 16(a)(iii)).

Can you challenge an arbitrator?

ARTICLE 12

(2) An arbitrator may be challenged only if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to his impartiality or independence, or if he does not possess qualifications agreed to by the parties.

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.

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).

What is the biggest problem of arbitration?

Disadvantages
  • Questionable Fairness. Mandatory arbitration. ...
  • Finality: No appeals. While this may be a positive if you find the arbitration decision favorable, you should be aware that if arbitration is binding, both sides give up their right to an appeal. ...
  • Can be more expensive. ...
  • Unpredictability: Unconventional outcomes.

Is it better to settle or go to arbitration?

An arbitration hearing is far more private. It only involves you, the other party, and a few neutral third parties. Arbitration is the better choice if your case has anything to do with intellectual property, trade secrets, or other confidential information.

What makes arbitration unenforceable?

This law provides that arbitration agreements are generally valid and enforceable. The major exception to this provision is that the arbitration agreement is not enforceable if it violates the general law of contracts – which applies to all contracts under the law of the state that governs the agreement.

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 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.

How to decline arbitration?

Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.

How do you beat arbitration?

How to Protect Yourself Against Forced Arbitration
  1. Look for arbitration language. Information regarding forced arbitration is usually buried in the company's terms of use or legal terms and conditions. ...
  2. Opt-out when you can. ...
  3. Submit official complaints. ...
  4. Negotiating using the legal leverage you have.

Can you remove an arbitrator?

An arbitrator may also be removed for incapacity or failure to perform the duties required of an arbitrator (Additional Facility Arbitration Rule 32).