STEPS IN THE ARBITRATION PROCESS

• Dispute arises (Start)
• Request for and submission of dispute to arbitration (This may be to a specific arbitrator or to an arbitral institution. Choices may be predicated by a pre-contractual term in an agreement which has given rise to the dispute.
• Parties agree on an arbitrator or an arbitrator is appointed by an arbitral institution or a court.
• Arbitrator accepts appointment.
• Preliminary meeting at arbitrator's request. This may be a joint session with everyone present or may be conducted by telephone conference.
• Arrangements for the arbitration including hire of venue and travel arrangements, usually done by the parties with or without the assistance of an arbitral institution.
• Arbitrator issues directions.
• Preliminary hearings and interim awards possible in respect of security of costs, scope of arbitration agreement etc.
• Submission of pleadings: claims / counterclaims and response to counterclaim.
• Discovery and preparation of agreed documents.
• Preparation of expert reports.
• Hearing (all parties, representatives, witnesses and experts and arbitrator).
• Award : decision and costs (The End).
• If non compliance - action for enforcement or challenge of or to award.