Engage in continuous professional development by attending training programs, courses, and workshops on arbitration-related topics. Keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date is essential for maintaining your effectiveness as an arbitrator.
Becoming empanelled as an arbitrator in India involves several steps and considerations. Here's a general guide:
- Qualifications and Experience: To be considered for empanelment as an arbitrator, you typically need to have a legal or technical background relevant to the types of disputes you wish to arbitrate. Most institutions and courts require arbitrators to have a certain level of experience in their respective fields. For example, legal professionals may need to have practiced law for a minimum number of years, while technical arbitrators may need specific industry experience or qualifications.
- Training: Some arbitration institutions offer training programs and courses for aspiring arbitrators. Completing such training programs can enhance your understanding of arbitration procedures, rules, and best practices, and may increase your chances of being empanelled as an arbitrator. CIArb pathway courses are internationally recognised certifications both for the empanelment and upward career in ADR domain.
- Arbitration Institutions: Many arbitration institutions maintain panels of arbitrators from which parties can select arbitrators for their disputes. You can apply to be included on the panel of arbitrators maintained by these institutions. Examples of such institutions in India include the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA), IIAC, CIAC, MCIA, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) etc.
- Court-Appointed Arbitrators: In certain cases, arbitrators are appointed by courts to resolve disputes. To be considered for appointment as a court-appointed arbitrator, you may need to apply directly to the relevant court or be nominated by a party to the dispute. Court-appointed arbitrators are typically selected based on their expertise, impartiality, and independence.
- Networking and Reputation: Building a strong reputation in your field of expertise can increase your chances of being appointed as an arbitrator. Participating in industry events, conferences, and seminars, publishing articles or papers related to arbitration, and networking with other professionals in the field can help raise your profile and attract potential appointments.
- Application Process: The specific process for applying to be empanelled as an arbitrator varies depending on the institution or court. You may need to submit an application form along with your resume, qualifications, and details of your experience. Some institutions may also require references or letters of recommendation from other professionals in the field.
- Continuous Professional Development: Once empanelled as an arbitrator, it's important to stay updated on developments in arbitration law and practice. Participating in continuing education programs, attending workshops or seminars, and staying engaged with arbitration institutions can help you maintain your qualifications and enhance your effectiveness as an arbitrator.
Actively engaging with the arbitration community in India can help you stay informed about developments in arbitration law and practice, expand your professional network, and increase your visibility as an arbitrator.
Here are some ways to do so:
- Join Arbitration Associations: Participate in arbitration associations and professional organizations such as the Nani Palkiwala Arbitration Centre (NPAC), the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) India Branch, the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) etc. These associations organize events, seminars, and conferences where you can network with other arbitration professionals and stay updated on industry trends.
- Attend Events and Conferences: Attend arbitration-related events, conferences, and workshops organized by arbitration institutions, law firms, and industry associations. These events provide opportunities to hear from experts, engage in discussions on current arbitration issues, and meet potential clients and colleagues.
- Enroll in Training Programs: Consider enrolling in training programs and courses offered by arbitration institutions and professional organizations. These programs cover various aspects of arbitration, including procedural rules, arbitration techniques, and case studies, and can enhance your knowledge and skills as an arbitrator.
- Participate in Webinars and Online Forums: Stay connected with the arbitration community by participating in webinars, online forums, and discussion groups focused on arbitration. These platforms provide opportunities to share insights, ask questions, and engage in dialogue with other arbitration professionals, even if you're unable to attend in-person events.
- Publish Articles and Papers: Write articles, papers, or blog posts on arbitration-related topics and publish them in industry journals, newsletters, or online platforms. Sharing your expertise and insights through publications can help raise your profile as an arbitrator and establish you as a thought leader in the field.
- Join Arbitration Panels: Apply to join arbitration panels maintained by arbitration institutions and professional organizations. Being listed on a panel of arbitrators increases your visibility and makes it easier for parties to find and appoint you as an arbitrator for their disputes.
- Network with Peers: Take advantage of networking opportunities at arbitration events, conferences, and seminars to connect with other arbitration professionals, including arbitrators, lawyers, academics, and industry experts. Building and maintaining relationships with peers can lead to referral opportunities and collaborations on arbitration cases.
Should you require Arbitration related training programs, you may reach us at [email protected] or [email protected] . We provide contemporaneous training rendered by practicing Arbitrators who will make your learning curve steeper and purposive.