Navigating Stormy Waters: How To Manage Tribunal Dynamics As A New Arbitrator

This article discusses the dynamics and challenges of working as part of an arbitral tribunal, to fairly and efficiently resolve the dispute referred to you by the arbitrating parties. It is key that a three-member tribunal works as a team, in a collaborative and collegiate way, while preserving each arbitrator's independent judgment. As a newer arbitrator, with comparatively little experience, it is important to understand how to resolve challenging situations that may arise and threaten to disrupt the internal workings of the tribunal, whether through a misunderstanding among the tribunal members or through something more pernicious. The article considers the importance of these soft skills, as well as potential avenues of recourse, including through institutional rules.