Introduction to International Arbitration

Course Overview: Introduction to International Arbitration

DAY 1 — Foundations of International Arbitration (3 hours)

Module 1 — What Is International Arbitration? (45 minutes)

1.1 Definition and Purpose
• What arbitration is (and what it is not)
• Domestic vs. international arbitration
• Commercial arbitration vs. investment arbitration

1.2 Why Parties Choose Arbitration
• Neutrality
• Enforceability
• Confidentiality
• Flexibility and party autonomy

1.3 Arbitration vs. Litigation
• Key structural differences
• Advantages and disadvantages
• When arbitration is not the best option

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Module 2 — Legal Framework of International Arbitration (60 minutes)

2.1 Sources of Arbitration Law
• Arbitration agreements
• National arbitration laws
• Institutional rules

2.2 The New York Convention (1958)
• Scope and importance
• Recognition and enforcement of awards
• Grounds for refusal

2.3 UNCITRAL Model Law
• Purpose and global influence
• Adoption by major arbitration jurisdictions
• Key principles (kompetenz-kompetenz, separability)

Module 3 — Arbitration Agreements & Clauses (45 minutes)

3.1 Arbitration Agreements
• Formal requirements
• Validity and enforceability
• Pathological clauses

3.2 Drafting Arbitration Clauses
• Seat of arbitration
• Applicable law
• Institutional vs. ad hoc arbitration

3.3 Practical Drafting Exercise
• Sample clauses
• Common drafting mistakes
• Best-practice model clauses

Day 1 Wrap-Up & Q&A (30 minutes)

DAY 2 — Arbitration in Practice (3 hours)

Module 4 — Arbitral Institutions & Types of Arbitration (45 minutes)

4.1 Institutional Arbitration
• ICC
• LCIA
• SIAC
• DIAC / DIFC-LCIA (overview)

4.2 Ad Hoc Arbitration
• UNCITRAL Rules
• When ad hoc arbitration is suitable

4.3 Choosing the Right Institution
• Cost
• Speed
• Sector specialization

Module 5 — The Arbitration Process Step by Step (75 minutes)

5.1 Commencement of Arbitration
• Notice of arbitration
• Request for arbitration

5.2 Constitution of the Tribunal
• Sole arbitrator vs. three-member tribunal
• Appointment methods
• Independence and impartiality

5.3 Written Submissions
• Statement of claim
• Statement of defence
• Reply and rejoinder

5.4 Evidence & Hearings
• Documentary evidence
• Witness statements
• Expert evidence
• Hearings (in-person vs. virtual)

Module 6 — Awards, Enforcement & Roles in Arbitration (45 minutes)

6.1 Arbitral Awards
• Types of awards
• Formal requirements
• Finality

6.2 Enforcement & Annulment
• Enforcement under the New York Convention
• Set-aside proceedings
• Practical enforcement challenges

6.3 Careers & Roles in Arbitration
• Counsel
• Arbitrator
• Tribunal secretary
• Expert / witness

Final Case Study & Practical Discussion (15 minutes)
• Simple commercial dispute scenario
• Mapping the arbitration process from clause to award

Duration: 6 hours
Format: 2 days (3 hours per day)
Level: Introductory / Foundational
Language: English

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