Arbitrator

Arbitrators resolve disputes by reviewing arguments before making a decision - a role that is in demand as people seek alternatives to litigation

As an arbitrator, you'll act as a neutral third party within the framework of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The arbitration process is used, voluntarily, by many individuals and businesses, to resolve legal disputes outside the courts in the UK and internationally.

Both sides must agree to follow any final decision and while not all arbitration decisions are legally binding, when they are, the parties typically forfeit the right to pursue the matter in court if they disagree with the outcome.

Due to the time, cost, and publicity often associated with traditional litigation, arbitration is increasingly used - particularly in the commercial sector - as a more efficient and private way to resolve disputes. One of its key advantages is that parties can select their arbitrator, meaning you may be chosen for your specific skills or expertise.

Types of arbitration

Arbitrators are commonly used to resolve:

• commercial disputes - including those involving contracts, finance, construction and partnerships
• international or cross-border disputes - particularly in trade, investment and commercial transactions
• employment disputes - such as allegations of unfair dismissal or breaches of employment terms - though employment tribunals are often used instead
• family matters - including financial arrangements and property settlements following separation or divorce, This is a growing but still relatively specialised area of arbitration
• sports-related disputes - including disciplinary issues, anti-doping cases and eligibility challenges
• maritime and shipping disputes - such as charterparty disagreements or cargo claims
• life sciences and intellectual property disputes - particularly those involving research collaborations, licensing and royalties.

Responsibilities

As an arbitrator, you'll typically:

• write arbitration notices that set out the expectations for each party and clearly define the issues in dispute
• gather evidence from the claimant and the respondent
• organise and conduct arbitration meetings or hearings where both sides present their evidence
• summarise each side's position in a written document
• interpret and apply the relevant laws
• make decisions resolving the dispute based on the evidence and arguments submitted by both sides
• carry out any appropriate follow-up communications.

If you’re self-employed, you'll also need to:

• network, develop contacts and build your reputation
• maintain your professional profile online
• respond to correspondence from potential clients
• manage your finances, fees, invoices and tax.

Salary

• Full-time salaries for accredited arbitrators, with less than five years' experience, are on average £28,000. With time, this can rise to around £65,000.
• Salaries can vary widely depending on factors like employment type, sector and location - for example, whether you're self-employed or working in a commercial law firm or for a public body.
• If you become a self-employed arbitrator, you can choose your caseload and set an appropriate fee. For example, law graduates who also gain arbitration accreditation can charge between £350 and £500 per day for their services and expertise.

To enable them to manage costs while providing access to qualified professionals, some charitable or not-for-profit arbitration services employ arbitrators on a part-time, sessional or flexible basis.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours depend on the type of arbitration you're involved in and whether you're self-employed or employed by an organisation or law firm.

Office-based arbitration services typically operate between 9am and 5pm, but you may sometimes need to work evenings or accommodate international time zones, particularly for cross-border disputes. Travel abroad may also be required.

If you're self-employed, your hours are likely to be more flexible, but you should be prepared to work outside standard office hours and travel to different locations for hearings.

Part-time work and job sharing may be possible, particularly within organisations offering flexible or sessional contracts.

What to expect

• Many arbitrators, including those in the charitable or community sectors, work on a self-employed or freelance basis, rather than being directly employed.
• You'll usually be office based, for example at a law firm or arbitration service, though will need to travel (sometimes internationally) to attend hearings.
• London is a major hub for services, but jobs are available across the UK, mainly at international law firms.
• As with many professions, gender and ethnic diversity among arbitrators -particularly in international arbitration - remains low. However, initiatives to improve diversity are gaining momentum, especially around gender. For example, the Arbitration Pledge commits to ensuring that lists of potential arbitrators include a fair representation of women. Senior practitioners are also encouraged to support, mentor and promote women in the field, through programmes such as ArbitralWomen - Mentorship.
• Your work in arbitration may be your main role, or it may form part of a broader job (such as solicitor or barrister) or a portfolio career.

Qualifications

There are no legal requirements to becoming an arbitrator. However, where disputes involve issues of law, having a law degree is usually an advantage. For disputes centred on factual or technical matters, a subject expert from the relevant sector may be better suited to act as the arbitrator.

Although not essential, you may wish to choose undergraduate or postgraduate modules related to arbitration, such as international dispute resolution or commercial arbitration, to strengthen your knowledge. Brunel University London offers an undergraduate LLB in International Arbitration and Commercial Law, but most subject-specific programmes are at postgraduate level.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) offers a structured educational framework known as a Pathways Programme. This provides progressive training from entry level through to advanced stages, with a wide range of courses including:

• introductions to ADR and arbitration
• pathway courses in specific areas of ADR, such as Domestic Arbitration, International Arbitration, Construction Adjudication and Mediation Courses
• accelerated assessments open to those with a legal background and/or some experience in particular dispute resolution - includes the Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration; the Accelerated Routes to Membership (ARM) in Construction Adjudication, International Arbitration or Domestic Arbitration; the Accelerated Routes to Fellowship (ARF) in Construction Adjudication, International Arbitration or Domestic Arbitration.

Find out about more about Qualifications and Development at CIArb.

You'll need to show examples of relevant knowledge and experience through degree level study, volunteering or employment to be accepted onto most training.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• an awareness of the sensitive nature of disputes and the need for discretion
• excellent problem-solving skills and the confidence to make sound, independent decisions
• commercial awareness and negotiating skills
• excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with teams and other people
• the ability to communication well
• knowledge and experience of the relevant sectors or areas of law e.g. managing cross-border transactions for international arbitration roles
• impartiality and sound judgement, with the ability to evaluate evidence and make fair, well-reasoned decisions.

Work experience

Gaining work experience is a great way to explore different areas of arbitration and build valuable contacts.

Organisations such as the Association for International Arbitration (AIA), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) offer internship opportunities.

Even if you don't secure one of these placements, the key is to show a genuine interest in the relevant area of arbitration and any general dispute resolution experience you can get is highly valued. Look for opportunities with moot courts and other debate forums. Paid or voluntary work in legal charities, Citizens Advice, Free Representation Unit (FRU) or Law Centres Network. Any of these will help you develop the skills needed to manage complex disputes.

If you're aiming to work in commercial or international arbitration, it's important to stay informed about global legal, commercial and political developments, and keep up with major arbitration cases in the news.

You can also develop relevant skills in other roles, for example, working in HR, social welfare, patient advocacy or with trade unions, where impartiality and decision-making are crucial.

Employers

There are various routes into employment as an arbitrator. You may find work in a law firmÌý´Ç°ùÌýbarrister's chambers  that specialises in arbitration, within a sector or organisation that trains in-house arbitrators, or by setting up your own practice as a self-employed arbitrator. Entry-level opportunities can be limited, so gaining experience through paralegal, legal assistant or trainee roles may be a useful first step.

Most accredited arbitration training providers maintain professional directories where you can promote your skills and experience to attract work. Building a strong reputation and gaining experience in a specific sector can improve your prospects, as roles are often competitive.

Arbitration roles may also be available with:

• independent or specialist arbitration services
• charitable organisations - with an in-house mediation service
• independent advice centres
• public sector organisations in areas such as education, health and social care
• regulatory bodies
• trade unions.

You can also look for arbitrator vacancies advertised through industry or professional bodies that promote career development and employment opportunities. These include:

• The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)
• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
• The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
• London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA)
• The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

As arbitration is often international in scope, some opportunities may involve cross-border work or be based overseas.

Professional development

Becoming a chartered arbitrator in the UK is a rigorous process, involving several stages. CIArb trains and accredits practitioners - you can find out more about training and qualifications options at CIArb.

There are also opportunities to network and develop professionally through peer communities. For example, the ICC runs the Young Arbitrators Forum (YAF), which offers events and resources to help individuals build their knowledge, develop skills and gain insight into ICC procedures and dispute resolution services. Another example is the Young ArbitralWomen Practitioners (YAWP) group.

You can also contribute to the training of future arbitrators by working with an educational institution or professional organisation, such as through CIArb's Partnership programme. This allows you to deliver customised dispute resolution training or contribute to the accreditation of educational modules and qualifications.

The amount of CPD required varies depending on your area of arbitration. In some fields, such as employment law, there are specific requirements due to the legal processes and frequent updates to legislation.

You may also choose to engage in research, helping to advance the field by improving understanding of arbitration and supporting its continued development. This research can benefit other professionals as well as the wider public.

Career prospects

Arbitration is continuing to grow as an alternative to traditional litigation, creating genuine opportunities for dispute resolution professionals with experience and expertise in arbitration proceedings.

Due to increasing globalisation, especially in the legal profession, lawyers are no longer limited to practising in the jurisdiction where they qualified. As a result, there may be opportunities to live and work in other countries. Qualifying in a second jurisdiction can also broaden your expertise and help you better meet the needs of international clients.

Once you've built your reputation and gained professional accreditations such as chartership, you can apply for more senior roles. These often involve higher-profile and more complex cases, where the consequences of failing to reach an agreement may be significant. This applies across all areas of arbitration.

There may also be opportunities to move into management or partner roles, where you'll oversee staff, generate revenue, and support the development and quality of services.

If you're interested in self-employment, this route offers the flexibility to choose your own caseload and build a practice in a particular area of arbitration.