Arbitration is one of the most dynamic and increasingly prominent areas of dispute resolution, resolving disputes through arbitration rather than, or alongside, the courts. For lawyers drawn to disputes with an international or commercial flavour, it is an appealing path. Let me give you an honest guide to arbitration as a career and how to break in.
Quick answer
Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution in which disputes are decided by an arbitrator or arbitral tribunal rather than through the courts. It is a prominent area of dispute resolution, including in the commercial and international spheres.
The work of an arbitration lawyer involves advising on and handling arbitration matters and disputes, working through the arbitration process and applying the analysis, argument, advocacy, drafting and strategy that disputes work involves in the arbitration context.
The skills it rewards are the core disputes skills, including analysis, argument and advocacy, drafting, research, strategy and attention to detail, along with knowledge of arbitration, its framework, process and practice. An international or commercial orientation can also be valuable, depending on the work.
How to break in: build a strong foundation and disputes skills; develop knowledge of arbitration, including its law, framework and practice; gain relevant experience through internships and roles in arbitration or disputes work, at firms with arbitration practices or in other relevant settings; and build towards arbitration work over time.
Arbitration suits lawyers drawn to disputes, often with a commercial or international interest, who enjoy the analytical, argumentative and strategic nature of disputes work. To break in, deliberately build your foundation, arbitration knowledge and relevant experience, and pursue opportunities in the field.
What arbitration is, and the work
Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution in which disputes are decided by an arbitrator or arbitral tribunal rather than through the courts. It is a prominent area of dispute resolution, including in the commercial and international spheres.
The work of an arbitration lawyer involves advising on and handling arbitration matters and disputes, working through the arbitration process, and applying the analysis, argument, advocacy, drafting and strategy of disputes work in the arbitration context.
An arbitration lawyer needs to understand not only the underlying dispute but also the arbitration framework and procedures relevant to the matter. Because the applicable law and framework can evolve, staying current is an important part of developing in this field.
The skills it rewards
- Arbitration rewards the core disputes skills: analysis, argument and advocacy, drafting, research, strategy and attention to detail. These are essential to understanding a dispute, developing a case and presenting arguments effectively.
- It also requires knowledge of arbitration, including its legal framework, process and practice. Building this knowledge helps you understand how arbitration matters are handled and how the general skills of a disputes lawyer apply in this setting.
- An international or commercial orientation can also be valuable, given arbitration’s prominence in commercial and international disputes. Developing an understanding of commercial relationships and the context in which disputes arise can complement your legal and procedural knowledge.
The aim is to build strong disputes skills, add arbitration-specific knowledge, and develop commercial or international awareness where relevant.
How to break in
To break into arbitration, begin by building a strong legal foundation and developing the core skills required for disputes work. Analysis, argument, advocacy, drafting, research and strategy provide the base for working effectively on contested matters.
Next, develop knowledge of arbitration, including its law, framework and practice. Study the subject deliberately and keep your understanding current as the applicable law and practice evolve.
Gain relevant experience. Look for internships and roles involving arbitration or disputes work, including opportunities at law firms with arbitration or disputes practices and in other relevant settings. Practical exposure helps you understand how arbitration matters are handled and how the skills you are developing are used in practice.
Build towards arbitration work over time. As you gain experience, continue strengthening your disputes skills, developing arbitration-specific knowledge and pursuing relevant opportunities. Deliberately building the foundation, knowledge and experience is how you work towards a career in arbitration.
Who it suits
Arbitration suits lawyers drawn to disputes, often with a commercial or international interest, who enjoy the analytical, argumentative and strategic nature of the work.
If disputes appeal to you and you are interested in the commercial or international dimensions of resolving them, arbitration can be a rewarding path. The important thing is to understand what the work involves, build the relevant skills and knowledge, and gain experience before deciding how you want to develop within the field.
YLCC ACTION STEP: To break into arbitration, build a strong foundation and the core disputes skills, including analysis, argument and advocacy, drafting, research and strategy. Develop knowledge of arbitration, including its law, framework and practice, while keeping current as it evolves. Gain relevant experience through internships and roles in arbitration or disputes work, at firms with arbitration practices or in other relevant settings, and build towards arbitration work over time. If disputes with a commercial or international dimension appeal to you, pursue relevant opportunities deliberately.
If this is you
If disputes with a commercial or international flavour appeal to you: arbitration may suit you well. Build your legal foundation, develop arbitration-specific knowledge and gain relevant experience as you explore opportunities in the field.
If you want to break in: deliberately build your disputes skills alongside arbitration-specific knowledge. Gain relevant experience and position yourself for arbitration work over time.
If you are early in your career: seek internships and exposure to arbitration or disputes work. Use these opportunities to understand the practice, develop relevant skills and build your arbitration knowledge alongside your legal foundation.
FAQs
- What is arbitration as a career? A dispute resolution career focused on handling disputes through arbitration, in which disputes are decided by an arbitrator or arbitral tribunal rather than through the courts. It is a prominent area of dispute resolution, including in commercial and international disputes.
- What does an arbitration lawyer do? An arbitration lawyer advises on and handles arbitration matters, works through the arbitration process, and applies the analysis, argument, advocacy, drafting and strategy of disputes work in the arbitration context.
- What skills does arbitration require? The core disputes skills, including analysis, argument and advocacy, drafting, research, strategy and attention to detail, along with knowledge of arbitration and, where relevant, a commercial or international orientation.
- How do I break into arbitration? Build a strong legal foundation and disputes skills, develop arbitration knowledge, gain relevant experience through internships and roles in arbitration or disputes work, and build towards arbitration opportunities over time.
- Who does arbitration suit? Lawyers drawn to disputes, often with a commercial or international interest, who enjoy the analytical, argumentative and strategic nature of the work.
