An arbitrator plays a crucial role in resolving disputes between parties through impartial decision-making. Typically appointed in legal or business contexts, an arbitrator conducts hearings, reviews evidence, and makes decisions that both parties must respect.
Their ability to remain neutral and fair is essential for upholding the integrity of the arbitration process. Employers seek qualified candidates with a strong understanding of legal principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage conflicts effectively.
This job description template outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications expected from an arbitrator, helping you attract the right candidates for this critical role.
1. Conduct hearings by gathering relevant evidence from both parties.
2. Analyze case facts and legal documentation thoroughly.
3. Deliver fair and unbiased rulings based on the evidence presented.
4. Provide written decisions that outline the reasoning behind the verdict.
5. Facilitate communication between disputing parties to promote a smoother resolution process.
6. Remain knowledgeable about current laws and regulations related to arbitration.
7. Maintain confidentiality of all proceedings and evidence.
8. Oversee compliance with arbitration procedures and rules.
1. Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent legal education.
2. Proven experience in dispute resolution, law practice, or a related field.
3. Strong understanding of arbitration laws and ethical standards.
4. Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
6. Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
7. Certification from a recognized arbitration organization is a plus.
8. Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of resolving conflicts.
1. Negotiation: Ability to mediate between parties to reach a fair decision.
2. Critical Thinking: Aptitude for analyzing complex issues and applying legal principles.
3. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and fairness in all rulings.
4. Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and impartiality in all proceedings.
5. Communication: Ability to clearly convey legal concepts and rationale.
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Key Responsibilities
1.
- •Schedule and run virtual or in-person hearings (typically 2–10 days per matter) while enforcing procedural timelines and decorum. This ensures efficient fact-finding and protects parties' rights.
2.
- •Open and triage new matters, maintain a caseload of 20–50 matters/year, set milestones (pleadings, discovery, hearing dates). Timely docket control reduces delays and cost overruns.
3.
- •Draft and issue procedural orders within 7–14 days of major filings to resolve disputes on scope of evidence and deadlines. Clear directions cut ambushes and repeated motions by 40–60%.
4.
- •Analyze contracts, statutes, and evidence; draft reasoned awards within 30–60 days post-hearing. Precise awards reduce grounds for challenge and protect the arbitrator’s reputation.
5.
- •Evaluate witness credibility, expert reports, and documentary evidence; rule on admissibility and craft findings of fact. Accurate fact-finding improves enforceability of awards.
6.
- •Keep parties and counsel informed of timelines, rulings, and fee allocations; disclose conflicts of interest promptly. Transparent communication preserves impartiality and trust.
7.
- •Prepare time and fee estimates, approve hearing budgets (e.g., $10k–$200k), and manage billing records. Fiscal discipline maintains client relationships and profile in panel libraries.
8.
- •Attend 6–12 hours/month of CLE, submit panel availability, and mentor junior arbitrators. Ongoing learning sustains subject-matter expertise.
Actionable takeaway: Track case metrics (time-to-award, days-to-hearing, budget variance) monthly and aim to reduce time-to-award by 15% year-over-year.
Required Qualifications
Technical skills
- •Legal analysis and writing (must): Draft dispositive orders and reasoned awards with citations; used daily to justify decisions and reduce reversals.
- •Rules and procedure knowledge (must): Deep familiarity with ICC, UNCITRAL, AAA, or domestic arbitration rules; needed to frame processes and resolve jurisdictional disputes.
- •Case-management tools (nice-to-have): Proficiency with e-filing and CMS (e.g., Clio, MyCase) and e-discovery platforms (Relativity) speeds document review and reduces hearing prep time by up to 30%.
Soft skills
- •Impartial decision-making (must): Maintain neutrality and disclose conflicts; critical for award enforceability.
- •Clear oral and written communication (must): Explain rulings to diverse audiences; used daily in hearings and drafting.
- •Time management and prioritization (must): Handle multiple matters; meet tight award deadlines consistently.
- •Negotiation and mediation aptitude (nice-to-have): Facilitate settlements when appropriate to save parties time and cost.
Education & certifications
- •Law degree (JD/LLB) (must): Core legal foundation required in most jurisdictions.
- •Arbitration accreditation (nice-to-have): Chartered Arbitrator, CIArb Fellowship, or AAA panel accreditation increases credibility.
- •Continuing legal education (must): Regular CLE in arbitration, evidence, and sector law to stay current.
Experience requirements
- •Minimum 5–7 years litigation or arbitration experience (must): Demonstrates courtroom or tribunal exposure and case strategy skills.
- •Industry specialization (nice-to-have): Construction, employment, commodities, or tech domain experience improves case quality and speeds factual analysis.
- •Prior arbitrator appointments or clerkships (nice-to-have): Evidence of prior awards or tribunal service shows readiness for independent decision-making.
Actionable takeaway: Prioritize obtaining one arbitration accreditation (e. g.
, CIArb) within 18 months and track 3 measurable skills (writing turnaround, ruling reversal rate, case throughput).
Career Progression and Advancement
Typical timelines and paths
- •Entry to panel member (3–7 years): A litigating attorney or in-house counsel with 5–7 years of experience begins receiving ad hoc appointments or joins a local panel after publishing articles and serving as tribunal secretary.
- •Senior arbitrator / panel chair (7–15 years): After 50+ matters or 10+ awards, many advance to chair tribunals, receive higher-fee appointments (20–50% higher), and lead complex, multi-party disputes.
- •Recognized expert / international specialist (10+ years): With repeated international cases, multilingual ability, and landmark awards, arbitrators join major rosters (ICC, ICSID) and command global appointments.
Specific career trajectory examples
1) Litigation counsel → Part-time arbitrator → Full-time arbitrator
- •Timeline: 5 years litigation; 2–4 years part-time appointments; full-time after 10–12 years. Focus: publish 6–10 articles, build panel history, and attend international conferences.
2) In-house counsel → Head of ADR for corporation
- •Timeline: 3–8 years in-house; promoted to ADR lead in 5–10 years. Focus: develop cost-control protocols, run internal arbitration clauses, and train procurement/legal teams.
3) Construction law specialist → International tribunal chair
- •Timeline: 7–12 years practice + sector certifications. Focus: gain ICC/LCIA experience, secure bilingual capability, and serve as expert witness early.
4) Arbitration practitioner → Academic or judicial appointment
- •Timeline: 10+ years practice plus publications and teaching. Focus: publish influential cases, teach CLE courses, and pursue adjunct professorship.
Actionable takeaway: Map a three-year development plan with target milestones—number of panel appointments, publications (2/year), accreditation, and networking events (6/year)—to accelerate advancement.