Expedited Procedures In International Arbitration And English Litigation

Two of the biggest challenges for parties involved in dispute resolution – whether arbitration or litigation – are the length of time involved and the cost of the process. This newsletter considers two recent developments in arbitration and English litigation in which the decision-making bodies themselves have taken steps to address these concerns.

The arbitration experience – New Expedited Procedure Rules in the ICC Rules

On 4 November 2016, the International Court of Arbitration (ICC) announced the introduction of the Expedited Procedure Rules (EPRs). The new rules take effect on 1 March 2017. Whilst the EPRs will apply automatically where the amount in dispute does not exceed US$2 million, the parties can also agree that they will apply to a dispute of any value. The EPRs will not apply to arbitration agreements concluded before 1 March 2017.