Philip E Cutler, Arbitration and Mediation in Seattle

Philip E. Cutler
Arbitration & Mediation Services

Mediation and arbitration can be thought of as a dance, though, tailored as they must be to the parties' needs, less choreographed than Jack Mackie's iconic Dance Steps.

Archived Article

Written 11/24/14

Arbitration Panel Best Practices: Realizing the Benefits of a Multi-Arbitrator Tribunal

Phil Cutler

Multi-arbitrator tribunals offer benefits almost unique in legal proceedings: evidentiary hearings conducted, and case management overseen, by more than one expert decision-maker. But the benefits inherent in such a process can only be fully realized and the cost justified if the members of the tribunal function as a team, with their relations – both internally and as manifested to the parties – characterized by full participation and engagement, collegiality and mutual respect. By so conducting themselves, it is significantly more likely that all parties will receive – and, just as important, believe they have received – a full and fair hearing and that the panel will enter an accurate and complete award which will mark the end of the dispute rather than the beginning of contentious vacatur proceedings.