What qualifications should parties look for in selecting their arbitrator(s)?
While there is no easy answer to that question, it is probably a safe bet that you will be in good hands with an arbitrator who has: • Some knowledge of the subject matter of your dispute and/or the kind of transactional background that would qualify the arbitrator to write the type of contract which has given rise to the conflict • A background representing clients in litigation and arbitration involving similar kinds of disputes • A professional respect for the parties to the arbitration and their attorneys. Because arbitrators have substantial authority, a healthy dose of humility—too often missing in a courtroom setting—is a positive qualification. In every successful arbitration, personal acrimony is left at the door so that the result is a product of dealing with the issues, not attitudes.
