Effective Case Management In International Arbitration

International arbitration is often praised for its efficiency, flexibility, and party autonomy. Yet, these advantages are only realised through effective case management, which orchestrates the procedural journey from the constitution of the tribunal to the rendering of the final award.

Case management in international arbitration refers to the deliberate structuring and supervision of arbitral proceedings to ensure efficiency, fairness, and predictability. Arbitration is often chosen over litigation for its speed and cost-effectiveness, but these advantages can be undermined if proceedings are not actively managed. Surveys repeatedly show that cost and delay remain the biggest sources of user dissatisfaction in arbitration.¹ Effective case management is therefore essential to safeguard arbitration's comparative advantages and its credibility as an alternative to litigation.