• 2018 CPR Non-Administered Arbitration Rules
• 2018 International Non-Administered Arbitration Rules

2018 CPR Non-Administered Arbitration Rules

 (Effective March 1, 2018)

REVISION HISTORY

• 1989    CPR published Rules and Commentary for Non-Traditional Arbitration for Business Disputes.
• 1993    Significant CPR revision of selected provisions of the Rules.
• 1994    New Title: Non-Administered Arbitration Rules & Commentary.
• 1995    Changes made to Rules 5.1, 6.4(b) and Commentary on Rule 5 regarding use of CPR Panels of Distinguished Neutrals.
• 1998    Bibliography updated.
• 2000    Significant CPR revision to Rules and Commentary. Bibliography updated.
• 2002    CPR Arbitration Appeal Procedure and Commentary added to Arbitration MAPP.
• 2004    Expansion of Judicial Review section of Commentary updated to reflect recent case law on expansion of judicial review.
• 2005    CPR Arbitration Rules and Commentary updated. CPR name changed from CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution to International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, Inc.
• 2007    Arbitration Rules and Commentary updated.
• 2018    Arbitration Rules and Commentary updated. 

THE CPR RULES

CPR CLAUSES  

A .  GENERAL AND INTRODUCTORY RULES

Rule 1: Scope of Application

Rule 2: Notices

Rule 3: Commencement of Arbitration

Rule 4: Representation

B .  RULES WITH RESPECT TO THE TRIBUNAL  

Rule 5: Selection of Arbitrators by the Parties

Rule 6: Selection of Arbitrator(s) by CPR

Rule 7: Qualifications, Challenges and Replacement of Arbitrator(s)

Rule 8: Challenges to the Jurisdiction of the Tribunal

C . RULES WITH RESPECT TO THE CONDUCT OF THE ARBITRAL PROCEEDINGS

Rule 9: General Provisions

Rule 10: Applicable Law(s) and Remedies

Rule 11: Discovery

Rule 12: Evidence and Hearings

Rule 13: Interim Measures of Protection

Rule 14: Emergency Measures of Protection by an Emergency Arbitrator

Rule 15: The Award

D . MISCELLANEOUS RULES

Rule 16: Failure to Comply with Rules

Rule 17: Costs

Rule 18: Confidentiality

Rule 19: Settlement and Mediation

Rule 20: Actions Against CPR or Arbitrator(s)

Rule 21: Waiver

Rule 22: Interpretation and Application of Rules

THE CPR RULES

The primary objective of arbitration is to arrive at a just and enforceable result, based on a private procedure that is fair, expeditious, economical, and less burdensome and adversarial than litigation. This objective is most likely to be achieved if the parties and their attorneys:

• adopt well-designed rules of procedure;
• select skilled arbitrators who are able and willing to actively manage the process;
• limit the issues to focus on the core of the dispute; and
• cooperate on procedural matters even while acting as effective advocates on substantive issues.

The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (“CPR”) Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration (effective as of March 1, 2018) (the “Rules”) were developed by CPR to provide procedures to facilitate the conduct of the arbitration process fairly, expeditiously, and economically. The Rules are designed to be easily understood and it is hoped that this Background will be useful to those considering using the Rules. The Rules are intended in particular for the complex case, but are suitable regardless of the complexity or nature of the case or the amount in dispute.

Every disputant wants to have a reasonable opportunity to develop and present its case. Parties that choose arbitration over litigation do so in large part out of a need or desire for an out-of-court proceeding that is confidential, expeditious and cost-effective. The Rules were designed with each of these objectives in mind.

The complexity of cases will vary greatly. In rules of general application, it is not appropriate to fix hard and fast deadlines. Rule 15.7 commits the parties and the arbitrator(s) to use their best efforts to assure that the dispute will be submitted to the Tribunal for decision within six months after the initial pre-hearing conference and that the final award will be rendered within one month after the close of proceedings. Rule 9.2 empowers the arbitrator(s) to establish time limits for each phase of the proceeding.

Rule 14 allows for emergency measures by an emergency arbitrator prior to tribunal selection. 

Counsel are expected to cooperate fully with the Tribunal and with each other to assure that the proceeding will be conducted with civility in an efficient, expeditious, and economical manner. Rule 17.3 empowers the arbitrators in apportioning costs to take into account, inter alia, “the circumstances of the case” and “the conduct of the parties during the proceeding.” This broad power is intended to permit the arbitrators to apportion a greater share of costs than they otherwise might to a party that has employed tactics the arbitrators consider dilatory, or in other ways has failed to cooperate in assuring the efficient conduct of the proceeding. 

While most arbitrations involve two parties, the Rules are also suitable for proceedings among three or more parties. References to “Claimant,” “Respondent” and “other party” should be construed to encompass multiple Claimants, Respondents or other parties in such multi- party proceedings. Where necessary, the Rules specifically address particular issues raised in the multi-party context. For example, Rule 3.2 provides that the arbitration shall be deemed commenced “as to any Respondent” when that Respondent receives the notice of arbitration. Rules 3.10 and 3.11 deal with joinder and consolidation. Rule 5.4 provides for the “screened selection” of party-designated arbitrators if the parties have agreed to such procedure, whereby the arbitrators to be designated by the parties without knowledge of which party designated them. Rule 5.5 deals with the constitution of the Tribunal where the arbitration agreement entitles each party to appoint an arbitrator but there is more than one Claimant or Respondent to the dispute. Rule 9.3(b) deals with the early disposition of claims, defenses and other factual and legal issues. Rule 9.3(f) provides for the possibility of implementing steps to address issues of cybersecurity and protecting the security of information in the arbitration.

A new Rule 12.5 encourages the development of the next generation of lawyers by empowering the Tribunal to encourage lead counsel to share witness examination and/or legal argument with more junior attorneys.

Commentary, Guidelines and Protocols

Commentary coming soon

CPR has promulgated guidelines and protocols that are designed to control time and cost and increase efficiency (available on the left-hand menu).

Mediation and Other ADR Procedures

The following Procedures are intended to govern arbitration proceedings. However, many parties wish to incorporate in their contract provisions for face-to-face negotiation or mediation prior to arbitration.

Parties desiring to use such Procedures should consult the CPR Mediation Procedure and CPR’s Dispute Resolution Clauses (available on CPR’s website under Model Clauses).

Help in Finding or Selecting a Neutral

In addition, some parties may need assistance in finding and selecting an appropriate mediator or arbitrator(s). For a fee, CPR is available to assist in neutral selection with the customized, neutral appointment service of CPR Dispute Resolution Services.

To obtain a copy of our Procedures or to find out more about our Dispute Resolution Services and fees, visit our website under Dispute Resolution Services or call CPR’s office at +1.212.949.6490.

CPR CLAUSES

Standard Contractual Provisions

The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration are intended in particular for use in complex commercial arbitrations and are designed to assure the expeditious and economical conduct of proceedings. The Rules may be adopted by parties wishing to do so by using one of the following standard provisions:

A.  Pre-Dispute Clause

“Any dispute arising out of or relating to this contract, including the breach, termination or validity thereof, shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Rules for Non Administered Arbitration by (a sole arbitrator) (three arbitrators, of whom each party shall appoint one) (three arbitrators, of whom each party shall designate one in accordance with the “screened” appointment procedure provided in Rule 5.4) (three arbitrators, none of whom shall be appointed by either party). The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of the arbitration shall be (city, state).”

B.  Existing Dispute Submission Agreement

“We, the undersigned parties, hereby agree to submit to arbitration in accordance with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Rules for Non- Administered Arbitration (the “Rules”) the following dispute:

[Describe briefly]

We further agree that the above dispute shall be submitted to (a sole arbitrator) (three arbitrators, of whom each party shall appoint one) (three arbitrators, of whom each party shall designate one in accordance with the “screened” appointment procedure provided in Rule 5.4) (three arbitrators, none of whom shall be appointed by either party). We further agree that we shall faithfully observe  this agreement and the Rules and that we shall abide by and perform any award rendered by the arbitrator(s). The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration  Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., and judgment upon the award  may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of arbitration shall be (city, state).”

A.  GENERAL AND INTRODUCTORY RULES

Rule 1: Scope of Application **

• 1.1 Where the parties to a contract have provided for arbitration under the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (“CPR”) Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration (the “Rules”), they shall be deemed to have made these Rules a part of their arbitration agreement, except to the extent that they have agreed in writing, or on the record during the course of the arbitral proceeding, to modify these Rules. Unless the parties otherwise agree, these Rules, and any amendment thereof adopted by CPR, shall apply in the form in effect at the time the arbitration is commenced. Where parties to a contract have provided for CPR arbitration generally, without specifying which set of CPR arbitration rules shall apply, the CPR Rules for Administered Arbitration shall apply to any arbitration agreement entered into after December 1, 2013.

• 1.2 These Rules shall govern the arbitration except that where any of these Rules is in conflict with a mandatory provision of applicable arbitration law, that provision of law shall prevail.

** Effective July 1, 2021 for any employment related matter, including claims brought by (a) employees, (b) applicants for employment, and (c) independent contractors or individuals otherwise contracted to perform work or provide services for the Other Party if the dispute relates to such work or the individual’s status as an employee or independent contractor, where the matter is referred to CPR for administration or selection of an arbitrator and where the Due Process Protections (see below) are applicable to the matter, CPR will only administer the matter under the CPR Administered Employment Arbitration Rules regardless of the rules contained in the arbitration agreement.

Due Process Protections

Rule 2: Notices

• 2.1 Notices or other communications required under these Rules shall be in writing and delivered to the address specified in writing by the recipient for this purpose or, if no address has been specified, to the last known business or residence address of the recipient. Notices and communications may be given by registered mail, courier, facsimile transmission, email communication or any other means of telecommunication that provides a record thereof. Notices and communications shall be deemed to be effective as of the date of receipt. Proof of transmission shall be deemed prima facie proof of receipt of any notice or communication given under these Rules.

• 2.2 Time periods specified by these Rules or established by the Arbitral Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) shall start to run on the day following the day when a notice or communication is received, unless the Tribunal shall specifically provide otherwise. If the last day of such period is an official holiday or a non-business day at the place where the notice or communication is received, the period is extended until the first business day which follows. Official holidays and non-business days occurring during the running of the period of time are included in calculating the period.

Rule 3: Commencement of Arbitration

• 3.1 The party commencing arbitration (the “Claimant”) shall address to the other party (the “Respondent”) a notice of arbitration.

• 3.2 The arbitration shall be deemed commenced as to any Respondent on the date on which the notice of arbitration is received by the Respondent.

• 3.3 The notice of arbitration shall include in the text or in attachments thereto:

a. The full names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses for the parties and their counsel;
 
b. A demand that the dispute be referred to arbitration pursuant to the Rules;
 
c. The text of the arbitration clause or the separate arbitration agreement that is involved;
 
d. A statement of the general nature of the Claimant’s claim;
 
e. The relief or remedy sought; and
 
f. The name, address, telephone number and email address of the arbitrator appointed by the Claimant, unless the parties have agreed that neither shall appoint an arbitrator or that the party-appointed arbitrators shall be appointed as provided in Rule 5.4.

• 3.4 Within 20 days after receipt of the notice of arbitration, the Respondent shall deliver to the Claimant a notice of defense. Failure to deliver a notice of defense shall not delay the arbitration; in the event of such failure, all claims set forth in the demand shall be deemed denied. Failure to deliver a notice of defense shall not excuse the Respondent from notifying the Claimant in writing, within 20 days after receipt of the notice of arbitration, of the arbitrator appointed by the Respondent, unless the parties have agreed that neither shall appoint an arbitrator or that the party-appointed arbitrators shall be appointed as provided in Rule 5.4.

• 3.5 The notice of defense shall include:

a. Any comment on the notice of arbitration that the Respondent may deem appropriate;
 
b. A statement of the general nature of the Respondent’s defense; and
 
c. The name, address, telephone number and email address of the arbitrator appointed by the Respondent, unless the parties have agreed that neither shall appoint an arbitrator or that the party-appointed arbitrators shall be appointed as provided in Rule 5.4.

• 3.6 The Respondent may include in its notice of defense any counterclaim within the scope of the arbitration clause. If it does so, the counterclaim in the notice of defense shall include items (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of Rule 3.3.

• 3.7 If a counterclaim is asserted, within 20 days after receipt of the notice of defense, the Claimant shall deliver to the Respondent a reply to counterclaim which shall have the same elements as provided in Rule 3.5 for the notice of defense. Failure to deliver a reply to counterclaim shall not delay the arbitration; in the event of such failure, all counterclaims set forth in the notice of defense shall be deemed denied.

• 3.8 Claims or counterclaims within the scope of the arbitration clause may be freely added, amended or withdrawn prior to the establishment of the Tribunal and thereafter with the consent of the Tribunal. Notices of defense or replies to amended claims or counterclaims shall be delivered within 20 days after the addition or amendment.

• 3.9 If a dispute is submitted to arbitration pursuant to a submission agreement, this Rule 3 shall apply to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the submission agreement.

• 3.10 Prior to the appointment of any arbitrator, CPR may, at the request of any party, allow one or more third parties to be joined in the arbitration as a party unless, after giving all parties, including the party or parties to be joined, an opportunity to be heard, CPR finds that joinder should not be permitted. Any such joinder shall be subject to the provisions of Rule 8. Whenever joinder is considered, CPR may, in its discretion, adjust or set any deadlines otherwise provided for in Rules 3, 5 and 6. No additional party may be joined after the appointment of any arbitrator unless all parties, including the additional party or parties, otherwise agree. A request for joinder shall be addressed to CPR with a copy to Claimant and Claimant’s counsel, if known, and shall include the full name, address, telephone number and email address for each party to be joined and its counsel, if known, as well as the basis on which the party is proposed to be joined, including the text of any relevant arbitration clause or separate arbitration agreement.

• 3.11 a. CPR may, at the request of a party and following consultation with the parties, consolidate two or more arbitrations pending under these Rules into a single arbitration where:

1. the parties have agreed to consolidation; or
2. all of the claims in the arbitrations are made under the same arbitration agreement; or
3. where the claims in the arbitrations are made under more than one arbitration agreement, the arbitrations are between the same parties, the disputes in the arbitrations arise in connection with the same legal relationship, and CPR finds the arbitration agreements to be compatible.

b. In deciding whether to consolidate, CPR may take into account any circumstances it considers to be relevant, including whether one or more arbitrators have been appointed in more than one of the arbitrations, and if so, whether the same or different persons have been appointed; the existence of common issues of law or fact creates the possibility of conflicting decisions in the separate arbitration proceedings; prejudice resulting from a failure to consolidate is not outweighed by the risk of undue delay or prejudice to the rights of or hardship to parties opposing consolidation; and consolidation would serve the interests of justice and efficiency.

c. When arbitrations are consolidated, they shall be consolidated in the arbitration that commenced first, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties or determined by CPR.

d. Arbitrations shall not be consolidated if the arbitration agreement prohibits consolidation.

Rule 4: Representation

• 4.1 The parties may be represented or assisted by persons of their choice.

• 4.2 Each party shall communicate the name, address (including email address) and function of such persons in writing to the other party and to the Tribunal.

B. RULES WITH RESPECT TO THE TRIBUNAL

Rule 5: Selection of Arbitrators by the Parties

• 5.1 Unless the parties have agreed in writing on a Tribunal consisting of a sole arbitrator or of three arbitrators not appointed by parties or appointed as provided in Rule 5.4, the Tribunal shall consist of two arbitrators, one appointed by each of the parties as provided in Rules 3.3 and 3.5, and a third arbitrator who shall chair the Tribunal, selected as provided in Rule 5.2. Unless otherwise agreed, any arbitrator not appointed by a party shall be a member of the CPR Panels of Distinguished Neutrals (“CPR Panels”).

• 5.2 Within 30 days of the appointment of the second arbitrator, the two party-appointed arbitrators shall appoint a third arbitrator, who shall chair the Tribunal. In the event the party-appointed arbitrators are unable to agree on the third arbitrator within that period, the third arbitrator shall be selected as provided in Rule 6.

• 5.3 If the parties have agreed on a Tribunal consisting of a sole arbitrator or of three arbitrators none of whom shall be appointed by either party, the parties shall attempt jointly to select such arbitrator(s) within 30 days after the deadline for notice of defense provided for in Rule 3.4 is due. Unless the parties mutually agree to extend the time for that selection process, any arbitrator(s) not jointly selected by the end of the 30 day period shall be selected by CPR as provided in Rule 6.

• 5.4 If the parties have agreed on a Tribunal consisting of three arbitrators, two of whom are to be designated by the parties without knowing which party designated each of them, as provided in this Rule 5.4, either party, following the expiration of the time period for the notice of defense, may request CPR in writing, with a copy to the other party, to conduct a “screened” selection of party-designated arbitrators as follows:

a. CPR will provide each party with a copy of a list of candidates from the CPR Panels together with confirmation of their availability to serve as arbitrators and disclosures of any circumstances that might give rise to justifiable doubt regarding the candidate’s independence or impartiality, as provided in Rule 7. Within 10 days thereafter, each party shall designate from the list three candidates, in order of preference, as candidates for its party-designated arbitrator, and so notify CPR and the other party in writing.
 
b. Within the same 10 day period after receipt of the CPR list, a party may also object to the appointment of any candidate on the grounds of lack of independence or impartiality by written and reasoned notice to CPR, with a copy to the other party. CPR shall decide the objection after providing the non-objecting party with an opportunity to comment on the objection. If there is no objection to the candidate, or if the objection is overruled by CPR, CPR shall appoint the candidate as arbitrator, and any subsequent challenges of that arbitrator, based on circumstances subsequently learned, shall be made and decided in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rules 7.6 - 8. At its discretion, CPR may decide an objection under this Rule 5.4(b) by referring it to a Challenge Review Committee pursuant to the CPR Challenge Protocol (excluding its Fee requirement).
 
c. If the independence or impartiality of the first candidate is successfully challenged, CPR will appoint the subsequent candidate designated by that party, in order of the party’s indicate preference, provided CPR does not sustain any objection made to the appointment of that candidate.
 
d. Neither CPR nor the parties shall advise or otherwise provide any information or indication to any arbitrator candidate or arbitrator as to which party selected either of the party-designated arbitrators. No party or anyone acting on its behalf shall have any ex parte communications relating to the case with any arbitrator or arbitrator candidate designated or appointed pursuant to this Rule 5.4.
 
e. Unless the parties otherwise agree, the chair of the Tribunal will be appointed by CPR in accordance with the procedure set forth in Rule 6.4, which shall proceed concurrently with the procedure for appointing the party- designated arbitrators provided in subsections (a)-(d) above.
 
f. The compensation of all members of the Tribunal appointed pursuant to Rule 5.4 shall be administered by the chair of the Tribunal in accordance with Rule 17. 

• 5.5 Where the arbitration agreement entitles each party to appoint an arbitrator but there is more than one Claimant or Respondent to the dispute, and either the multiple Claimants or the multiple Respondents do not jointly appoint an arbitrator within the time period provided in Rules 3.3 and 3.5, CPR shall appoint all of the arbitrators as provided in Rule 6.4.

Rule 6: Selection of Arbitrator(s) by CPR

• 6.1 Whenever (i) a party has failed to appoint the arbitrator to be appointed by it; (ii) the parties have failed to appoint the arbitrator(s) to be appointed by them acting jointly; (iii) the party- appointed arbitrators have failed to appoint the third arbitrator; (iv) the parties have provided that one or more arbitrators shall be appointed by CPR; or (v) the multi-party nature of the dispute calls for CPR to appoint all members of a three-member Tribunal pursuant to Rule 5.5, the arbitrator(s) required to complete the Tribunal shall be selected as provided in this Rule 6, and either party may request CPR in writing, with copy to the other party, to proceed pursuant to this Rule 6.

• 6.2 The written request may be made as follows:

a. If a party has failed to appoint the arbitrator to be appointed by it, or the parties have failed to appoint the arbitrator(s) to be appointed by them through agreement, at any time after such failure to make a timely appointment has occurred.

b. If the party-appointed arbitrators have failed to appoint the third arbitrator, as soon as the time period provided in Rule 5.2 has expired.

c. If the arbitrator(s) are to be appointed by CPR, as soon as the notice of defense is due.

• 6.3 The written request shall include complete copies of the notice of arbitration and the notice of defense or, if the dispute is submitted under a submission agreement, a copy of the agreement supplemented by the notice of arbitration and notice of defense if they are not part of the agreement.

• 6.4 Except where a party has failed to appoint the arbitrator to be appointed by it, CPR shall proceed as follows:

a. Promptly following receipt by it of the request provided for in Rule 6.3, CPR shall convene the parties in person or by telephone to attempt to select the arbitrator(s) by agreement of the parties.

b. If the procedure provided for in (a) does not result in the selection of the required number of arbitrators, CPR shall submit to the parties a list, from the CPR Panels, of not less than five candidates if one arbitrator remains to be selected, and of not less than seven candidates if two or three arbitrators are to be selected. Such list shall include a brief statement of each candidate’s qualifications. Each party shall number the candidates in order of preference, shall note any objection it may have to any candidate, and shall deliver the list so marked to CPR, which, on agreement of the parties, shall circulate the delivered lists to the parties. Any party failing without good cause to return the candidate list so marked within 10 days after receipt shall be deemed to have assented to all candidates listed thereon. CPR shall designate as arbitrator(s) the nominee(s) willing to serve for whom the parties collectively have indicated the highest preference and who appear to meet the standards set forth in Rule 7. If a tie should result between two candidates, CPR may designate either candidate.

If this procedure for any reason should fail to result in designation of the required number of arbitrators or if a party fails to participate in this procedure, CPR shall appoint a person or persons whom it deems qualified to fill any remaining vacancy.

• 6.5 Where a party has failed to appoint the arbitrator to be appointed by it, CPR shall appoint a person whom it deems qualified to serve as such arbitrator.

Rule 7: Qualifications, Challenges and Replacement of Arbitrator(s)

• 7.1 Each arbitrator shall be independent and impartial.

• 7.2 By accepting appointment, each arbitrator shall be deemed to be bound by these Rules and any modification agreed to by the parties, and to have represented that he or she has the time available to devote to the expeditious process contemplated by these Rules.

• 7.3 Each arbitrator shall disclose in writing to the Tribunal and the parties at the time of his or her appointment and promptly upon their arising during the course of the arbitration any circumstances that might give rise to justifiable doubt regarding the arbitrator’s independence or impartiality. Such circumstances include bias, interest in the result of the arbitration, and past or present relations with a party or its counsel.

• 7.4 No party or anyone acting on its behalf shall have any ex parte communications concerning any matter relating to the proceeding with any arbitrator or arbitrator candidate, except that a party may advise a candidate for appointment as its party-appointed arbitrator of the general nature of the case and discuss the candidate’s qualifications, availability, and  independence and impartiality with respect to the parties, and  a party may confer with its party-appointed arbitrator regarding the selection of the chair of the Tribunal. As provided in Rule 5.4(d), no party or anyone acting on its behalf shall have any ex parte communications relating to the case with any arbitrator or arbitrator candidate designated or appointed pursuant to Rule 5.4.

• 7.5 Any arbitrator may be challenged if circumstances exist or arise that give rise to justifiable doubt regarding that arbitrator’s independence or impartiality, provided that a party may challenge an arbitrator whom it has appointed only for reasons of which it becomes aware after the appointment has been made.

• 7.6 A party may challenge an arbitrator only by a notice in writing to CPR, with a copy to the Tribunal and the other party, given no later than 15 days after the challenging party receives notification of the appointment of that arbitrator, or (ii) becomes aware of the circumstances specified in Rule 7.5, whichever shall last occur. The notice shall state the reasons for the challenge with specificity. The notice shall not be sent to the Tribunal when the challenged arbitrator is a party-designated arbitrator selected as provided in Rule 5.4; in that event, CPR may provide each member of the Tribunal with an opportunity to comment on the substance of the challenge without disclosing the identity of the challenging party.

• 7.7 When an arbitrator has been challenged by a party, the other party may agree to the challenge or the arbitrator may voluntarily withdraw. Neither of these actions implies acceptance of the validity of the challenge.

• 7.8 If neither agreed disqualification nor voluntary withdrawal occurs, the challenge shall be decided by CPR, after providing the non-challenging party and each member of the Tribunal with an opportunity to comment on the challenge.

• 7.9 In the event of death, resignation or successful challenge of an arbitrator not appointed by a party, a substitute arbitrator shall be selected pursuant to the procedure by which the arbitrator being replaced was selected. In the event of the death, resignation or successful challenge of an arbitrator appointed by a party, that party may appoint a substitute arbitrator; provided, however, that should that party fail to notify the Tribunal (or CPR, if the Tribunal has been constituted as provided in Rule 5.4) and the other party of the substitute appointment within 20 days from the date on which it becomes aware that the opening arose, that party’s right of appointment shall lapse and the Tribunal shall promptly request CPR to appoint a substitute arbitrator forthwith.

• 7.10 In the event that an arbitrator fails to act or is de jure or de facto prevented from duly performing the functions of an arbitrator, the procedures provided in Rule 7.9 shall apply to the selection of a replacement. If the parties do not agree on whether the arbitrator has failed to act or is prevented from performing the functions of an arbitrator, either party may request CPR to make that determination forthwith.

• 7.11 If the sole arbitrator or the chair of the Tribunal is replaced, the successor shall decide the extent to which any hearings held previously shall be repeated. If any other arbitrator is replaced, the Tribunal in its discretion may require that some or all prior hearings be repeated.

• 7.12 If an arbitrator on a three-person Tribunal fails to participate in the arbitration, the two other arbitrators shall have the power in their sole discretion to continue the arbitration and to make any decision, ruling or award, notwithstanding the failure of the third arbitrator to participate, unless the parties agree otherwise. In determining whether to continue the arbitration or to render any decision, ruling or award without the participation of an arbitrator, the two other arbitrators shall take into account the stage of the arbitration, the reason, if any, expressed by the third arbitrator for such non-participation, and such other matters as they consider appropriate in the circumstances of the case. In the event that the two other arbitrators determine not to continue the arbitration without the participation of the third arbitrator, the procedures provided in Rule 7.9 shall apply to the selection of a replacement.

Rule 8: Challenges to the Jurisdiction of the Tribunal

• 8.1 The Tribunal shall have the power to hear and determine challenges to its jurisdiction, including any objections with respect to the existence, scope or validity of the arbitration agreement. This authority extends to jurisdictional challenges with respect to both the subject matter of the dispute and the parties to the arbitration.

• 8.2 The Tribunal shall have the power to determine the existence, validity or scope of the contract of which an arbitration clause forms a part. For the purposes of challenges to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal, the arbitration clause shall be considered as separable from any contract of which it forms a part.

• 8.3 Any challenges to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal, except challenges based on the award itself, shall be made not later than the notice of defense or, with respect to a counterclaim, the reply to the counterclaim; provided, however, that if a claim or counterclaim is later added or amended such a challenge may be made not later than the response to such claim or counterclaim as provided under these Rules.

C.  RULES WITH RESPECT TO THE CONDUCT OF THE ARBITRAL PROCEEDINGS

Rule 9:    General Provisions

• 9.1 Subject to these Rules, the Tribunal may conduct the arbitration in such manner as it shall deem appropriate. The chair shall be responsible for the organization of arbitral conferences and hearings and arrangements with respect to the functioning of the Tribunal.

• 9.2 The proceedings shall be conducted in an expeditious manner. The Tribunal is empowered to impose time limits it considers reasonable on each phase of the proceeding, including without limitation the time allotted to each party for presentation of its case and for rebuttal. In setting time limits, the Tribunal should bear in mind its obligation to manage the proceeding firmly in order to complete proceedings as economically and expeditiously as possible.

• 9.3 The Tribunal shall hold an initial pre-hearing conference for the planning and scheduling of the proceeding. Such conference shall be held promptly after the constitution of the Tribunal, unless the Tribunal is of the view that further submissions from the parties are appropriate prior to such conference. The objective of this conference shall be to discuss all elements of the arbitration with a view to planning for its future conduct. Matters to be considered in the initial pre-hearing conference may include, inter alia, the following:

a. Procedural matters (such as setting specific time limits for, and manner of, any required discovery; the desirability of bifurcation or other separation of the issues in the arbitration; the desirability and practicability of consolidating the arbitration with any other proceeding; the scheduling of conferences and hearings; the scheduling of pre-hearing memoranda; the need for and type of record of conferences and hearings, including the need for transcripts; the amount of time allotted to each party for presentation of its case and for rebuttal; the mode, manner and order for presenting proof; the need for expert witnesses and how expert testimony should be presented; and the necessity for any on-site inspection by the Tribunal);

b. The early identification and narrowing of the issues in the arbitration, including the possibility of early disposition of any issues in accordance with CPR Guidelines on Early Disposition of Issues in Arbitration;

c. The possibility of stipulations of fact and admissions by the parties solely for purposes of the arbitration, as well as simplification of document authentication;

d. The possibility of appointment of a neutral expert by the Tribunal;

e. The possibility of the parties engaging in settlement negotiations, with or without the assistance of a mediator; after the initial conference, further pre-hearing or other conferences may be held as the Tribunal deems appropriate; and

f. The possibility of implementing steps to address issues of cybersecurity and to protect the security of information in the arbitration.

• 9.4 In order to define the issues to be heard and determined, the Tribunal may, inter alia, make pre-hearing orders and instruct the parties to file more detailed statements of claim and of defense, and pre-hearing memoranda.

• 9.5 Unless the parties have agreed upon the place of arbitration, the Tribunal shall fix the place of arbitration based upon the contentions of the parties and the circumstances of the arbitration. The award shall be deemed made at such place. The Tribunal may schedule meetings and hold hearings wherever it deems appropriate.

Rule 10: Applicable Law(s) and Remedies

• 10.1 The Tribunal shall apply the substantive law(s) or rules of law designated by the parties as applicable to the dispute. Failing such a designation by the parties, the Tribunal shall apply such law(s) or rules of law as it determines to be appropriate.

• 10.2 Subject to Rule 10.1, in arbitrations involving the application of contracts, the Tribunal shall decide in accordance with the terms of the contract and shall take into account usages of the trade applicable to the contract.

• 10.3 The Tribunal may grant any remedy or relief, including but not limited to specific performance of a contract, which is within the scope of the agreement of the parties and permissible under the law(s) or rules of law applicable to the dispute.

• 10.4 The Tribunal may award such pre-award and post-award interest, simple or compound, as it considers appropriate, taking into consideration the contract and applicable law.

Rule 11: Discovery

The Tribunal may require and facilitate such discovery as it shall determine is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the needs of the parties and the desirability of making discovery expeditious and cost-effective. The Tribunal may issue orders to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information, trade secrets and other sensitive information disclosed in discovery.

Rule 12: Evidence and Hearings

• 12.1 The Tribunal shall determine the manner in which the parties shall present their cases. Unless otherwise determined by the Tribunal or agreed by the parties, the presentation of a party’s case shall include the submission of a pre- hearing memorandum including the following elements:

a. a statement of facts;

b. a statement of each claim being asserted;

c. a statement of the applicable law and authorities upon which the party relies;

d. a statement of the relief requested, including the basis for any damages claimed; and

e. the evidence to be presented, including documents relied upon and the name, capacity and subject of testimony of any witnesses to be called.

• 12.2 If either party so requests or the Tribunal so directs, a hearing shall be held for the presentation of evidence and oral argument. Testimony may be presented in written and/ or oral form as the Tribunal may determine is appropriate. The Tribunal is not required to apply the rules of evidence used in judicial proceedings, provided, however, that the Tribunal shall apply the lawyer-client privilege and the work product immunity.

The Tribunal shall determine the applicability of any privilege or immunity and the admissibility, relevance, materiality and weight of the evidence offered.

• 12.3 The Tribunal, in its discretion, may require the parties to produce evidence in addition to that initially offered. It may also appoint neutral experts whose testimony shall be subject to cross-examination and rebuttal.

• 12.4 The Tribunal shall determine the manner in which witnesses are to be examined. The Tribunal shall have the right to exclude witnesses from hearings during the testimony of other witnesses.

• 12.5 In order to support the development of the next generation of lawyers, the Tribunal, in its discretion, may encourage lead counsel to permit more junior lawyers with significantly less arbitration experience than lead counsel to examine witnesses at the hearing and present argument. The Tribunal, in its discretion, may permit experienced counsel to provide assistance or support, where appropriate, to a lawyer with significantly less experience during the examination of witnesses or argument. Notwithstanding the contents of this Rule 12.5, the ultimate decision of who speaks on behalf of the client in an arbitration is for the parties and their counsel, not the Tribunal.

Rule 13:  Interim Measures of Protection

• 13.1 At the request of a party, the Tribunal may take such interim measures as it deems necessary, including measures for the preservation of assets, the conservation of goods or the sale of perishable goods. The Tribunal may require appropriate security as a condition of ordering such measures.

• 13.2 A request for interim measures by a party to a court shall not be deemed incompatible with the agreement to arbitrate or as a waiver of that agreement.

Rule 14: Emergency Measures of Protection by an Emergency Arbitrator 

• 14.1 Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, this Rule 14 shall be deemed part of any arbitration clause or agreement that provides for arbitration under these Rules.

• 14.2 Prior to the constitution of the Tribunal, any party may request that emergency measures be granted under this Rule against any other party by an emergency arbitrator appointed for that purpose.

• 14.3 Emergency measures under this Rule are requested by written application to CPR, entitled “Request for Emergency Measures of Protection By an Emergency Arbitrator,” describing in reasonable detail the relief sought, the party against whom the relief is sought, the grounds for the relief, and, if practicable, the evidence and law supporting the request. The request shall be delivered in accordance with Rule 2.1, and shall certify that all other parties affected have been notified of the request or explain the steps taken to notify such parties.

• 14.4 The request for emergency measures shall be accompanied by an initial deposit of $2000, paid to CPR by wire, check, credit card or draft. CPR shall promptly determine, pursuant to its administrative rules, any further deposit due to cover the fee of CPR and the remuneration of the emergency arbitrator, which amount shall be paid within the time period determined by CPR.

• 14.5 If the parties agree upon an emergency arbitrator within one business day of the request, that arbitrator shall be appointed. If there is no such timely agreement, CPR shall appoint an emergency arbitrator from a list of arbitrators maintained by CPR for that purpose. To the extent practicable, CPR shall appoint the emergency arbitrator within one business day of CPR’s receipt of the application for emergency measures under this Rule. The emergency arbitrator’s fee shall be determined by CPR in consultation with the emergency The emergency arbitrator’s fee and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses shall be paid from the deposit made with CPR.

• 14.6 Prior to accepting appointment, an emergency arbitrator candidate shall disclose to CPR any circumstances that might give rise to justifiable doubt regarding the arbitrator’s independence or impartiality within the meaning of Rule 7.3. Any challenge to the appointment of an emergency arbitrator must be made within one business day of the challenging party’s receipt of CPR’s notification of the appointment of the arbitrator and the circumstances disclosed. An emergency arbitrator may be challenged on any ground for challenging arbitrators generally under Rule To the extent practicable, CPR shall rule on the challenge within one business day after CPR’s receipt of the challenge. CPR’s ruling on the challenge shall be final.

• 14.7 In the event of death, resignation or successful challenge of an emergency arbitrator, CPR shall appoint a replacement forthwith in accordance with the procedures prescribed in Rules 14.5 and 14.6.

• 14.8 The emergency arbitrator shall determine the procedure to be followed, which shall include, whenever possible, reasonable notice to, and an opportunity for hearing (either in person, by teleconference or other appropriate means), all affected parties. The emergency arbitrator shall conduct the proceedings as expeditiously as possible, and shall have the powers vested in the Tribunal under Rule 8, including the power to rule on his/her own jurisdiction and the applicability of this Rule 14.

• 14.9 The emergency arbitrator may grant such emergency measures as he or she deems necessary, including but not limited to measures for the preservation of assets, the conservation of goods or the sale of perishable goods.

• 14.10 The ruling on the request for emergency measures shall be made by award or order, and the emergency arbitrator may state in such award or order whether or not the emergency arbitrator views the award or order as final for purposes of any judicial proceedings in connection therewith. The award or order may be made conditional upon the provision of security or any act or omission specified in the award or order. The award or order may provide for the payment of a specified amount in case of noncompliance with its terms.

• 14.11 The award or order shall specify the relief awarded or denied, shall determine the cost of the proceedings, including CPR’s administrative fee, the arbitrator’s fee and expenses as determined by CPR, and apportion such costs among the parties as the emergency arbitrator deems appropriate. The emergency arbitrator may also apportion the parties’ reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses in the award or order or in a supplementary award or order. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the award or order shall state the reasoning on which the award or order rests as the emergency arbitrator deems appropriate.

• 14.12 A request for emergency measures by a party to a court shall not be deemed incompatible with the agreement to arbitrate, including the agreement to this Rule 14, or as a waiver of that agreement.

• 14.13 The award or order shall remain in effect until modified or vacated by the emergency arbitrator or the Tribunal. The emergency arbitrator may modify or vacate the award or order for good cause. If the Tribunal is constituted before the emergency arbitrator has rendered an award or order, the emergency arbitrator shall retain jurisdiction to render such award or order unless and until the Tribunal directs otherwise. Once the Tribunal has been constituted, the Tribunal may modify or vacate the award or order rendered by the emergency arbitrator.

• 14.14 The emergency arbitrator shall not serve as a member of the Tribunal unless the parties agree otherwise.

Rule 15: The Award

• 15.1 The Tribunal may make final, interim, interlocutory and partial awards. With respect to any interim, interlocutory or partial award, the Tribunal may state in its award whether or not the award is final for purposes of any judicial proceedings in connection therewith.

• 15.2 All awards shall be in writing and shall state the reasoning on which the award rests unless the parties agree otherwise. The award shall be deemed to be made at the seat of arbitration and shall contain the date on which the award was made. When there are three arbitrators, the award shall be made and signed by at least a majority of the arbitrators.

• 15.3 A member of the Tribunal who does not join in an award may issue a dissenting opinion. Such opinion shall not constitute part of the award.

• 15.4 Executed copies of awards and of any dissenting opinion shall be delivered by the Tribunal to the parties.

• 15.5 Within 20 days after receipt of the award, either party, with notice to the other party, may request the Tribunal to clarify the award; to correct any clerical, typographical or computation errors, or any errors of a similar nature in the award; or to make an additional award as to claims or counterclaims presented in the arbitration but not determined in the award. The Tribunal shall make any clarification, correction or additional award requested by either party that it deems justified within 30 days after receipt of such request. Within 20 days after delivery of the award to the parties or, if a party requests a clarification, correction or additional award, within 30 days after receipt of such request, the Tribunal may make such corrections and additional awards on its own initiative as it deems appropriate. All clarifications, corrections, and additional awards shall be in writing, and the provisions of this Rule 15 shall apply to them.

• 15.6 The award shall be final and binding on the parties, and the parties will undertake to carry out the award without delay. If an interpretation, correction or additional award is requested by a party, or a correction or additional award is made by the Tribunal on its own initiative as provided in Rule 15.5, the award shall be final and binding on the parties when such clarification, correction or additional award is made by the Tribunal or upon the expiration of the time periods provided in Rule 15.5 for such clarification, correction or additional award to be made, whichever is earlier.

• 15.7 The dispute should in most circumstances be submitted to the Tribunal for decision within six months after the initial pre-hearing conference required by Rule 9.3. The final award should in most circumstances be rendered within one month after the close of proceedings. The parties and the Tribunal shall use their best efforts to comply with this schedule.

D.  MISCELLANEOUS RULES

Rule 16: Failure to Comply with Rules

Whenever a party fails to comply with these Rules, or any order of the Tribunal pursuant to these Rules, in a manner deemed material by the Tribunal, the Tribunal,  if appropriate, shall fix a reasonable period of time for compliance and, if the party does not comply within said period, the Tribunal may impose a remedy it deems just, including an award on default. Prior to entering an award on default, the Tribunal shall require the non-defaulting party to produce evidence and legal argument in support of its contentions as the Tribunal may deem appropriate. The Tribunal may receive such evidence and argument without the defaulting party’s presence or participation.

Rule 17: Costs

• 17.1 Each arbitrator shall be compensated on a reasonable basis determined at the time of appointment for serving as an arbitrator and shall be reimbursed for any reasonable travel and other expenses. The compensation for each arbitrator should be fully disclosed to all Tribunal members and parties. If there is a disagreement concerning the terms of compensation, an appropriate rate shall be established with the arbitrator by CPR and confirmed in writing to the parties. Subject to any agreement between the parties to the contrary, the parties shall be jointly and severally liable for such fees and expenses. 

• 17.2 The Tribunal shall fix the costs of arbitration in its award. The costs of arbitration include:

a. The fees and expenses of members of the Tribunal;

b. The costs of expert advice and other assistance engaged by the Tribunal;

c. The travel and other expenses of witnesses to such extent as the Tribunal may deem appropriate;

d. The costs for legal representation and assistance and experts incurred by a party to such extent as the Tribunal may deem appropriate;

e. The charges and expenses of CPR with respect to the arbitration;

f. The costs of a transcript; and

g. The costs of meeting and hearing facilities.

• 17.3 Subject to any agreement between the parties to the contrary, the Tribunal may apportion the costs of arbitration between or among theparties in such manner as it deems reasonable, taking into account the circumstances of the case, the conduct of the parties during the proceeding, and the result of the arbitration.

• 17.4 The Tribunal may request each party to deposit an appropriate amount as an advance for the costs referred to in Rule 17.2, except those specified in subparagraph (d), and, during the course of the proceeding, it may request supplementary deposits from the parties. Any such funds shall be held and disbursed in such a manner as the Tribunal may deem appropriate.

• 17.5 If the requested deposits are not paid in full within 20 days after receipt of the request, the Tribunal shall so inform the parties in order that jointly or severally they may make the requested payment. If such payment is not made, the Tribunal may suspend or terminate the proceeding. 

• 17.6 After the proceeding has been concluded, the Tribunal shall return any unexpended balance from deposits made to the parties as may be appropriate.

Rule 18: Confidentiality

Unless the parties agree otherwise, the parties, the arbitrators and CPR shall treat the proceedings, any related discovery and the decisions of the Tribunal, as confidential, except in connection with judicial proceedings ancillary to the arbitration, such as a judicial challenge to, or enforcement of, an award, and unless otherwise required by law or to protect a legal right of a party. To the extent possible, any specific issues of confidentiality should be raised with and resolved by the Tribunal.

Rule 19: Settlement and Mediation

• 19.1 Either party may propose settlement negotiations to the other party at any time. The Tribunal may suggest that the parties explore settlement at such times as the Tribunal may deem appropriate.

• 19.2 With the consent of the parties, the Tribunal at any stage of the proceeding may arrange for mediation of the claims asserted in the arbitration by a mediator acceptable to the parties. The mediator shall be a person other than a member of the Tribunal. Unless the parties agree otherwise, any such mediation shall be conducted under the CPR Mediation Procedure.

• 19.3 The Tribunal will not be informed of any settlement offers or other statements made during settlement negotiations or a mediation between the parties, unless both parties consent.

• 19.4 If the parties settle the dispute before an award is made, the Tribunal shall terminate the arbitration and, if requested by all parties and accepted by the Tribunal, may record the settlement in the form of an award made by consent of the parties. The Tribunal is not obliged to give reasons for such an award.

Rule 20: Actions Against CPR or Arbitrator(s)

Neither CPR nor any arbitrator shall be liable to any party for any act or omission in connection with any arbitration conducted under these Rules.

Rule 21: Waiver

A party knowing of a failure to comply with any provision of these Rules, or any requirement of the arbitration agreement or any direction of the Tribunal, and neglecting to state its objections promptly, waives any objection thereto.

Rule 22: Interpretation and Application of Rules

The Tribunal shall interpret and apply these Rules insofar as they relate to the Tribunal’s powers and duties. When there is more than one member on the Tribunal and a difference arises among them concerning the meaning or application of these Rules, that difference shall be decided by a majority vote. All other Rules shall be interpreted and applied by CPR.

Commentary: 

GENERAL COMMENTARY

The primary objectives of arbitration are to arrive at a just and enforceable result, based on a private procedure that is:

• fair,
• expeditious, 
• economical, and
• less burdensome and adversarial than litigation.  

The above objectives are most likely to be achieved if the parties and their attorneys: 

• adopt well-designed rules of procedure;
• select skilled arbitrators who are able and willing to actively manage the process;
• limit the issues to focus on the core of the dispute; and
• cooperate on procedural matters even while acting as effective advocates on substantive issues.

The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (“CPR”) Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration (the “Rules”) (Effective March 1, 2018), were developed by CPR to provide procedures to facilitate the conduct of arbitration fairly, expeditiously and economically.  The current Rules were updated in 2018 and reflect the benefit of experience under the prior rules and the evolving standards of best practices in arbitration as well as innovations introduced by CPR to improve the effectiveness of the arbitral process.  The Rules are designed to be easily understood, and it is hoped that this Commentary will be helpful to those considering using the Rules.  The Rules are intended, in particular, for complex cases, but are suitable regardless of the complexity or nature of the case or the amount in dispute. 

Every disputant wants to have a reasonable opportunity to develop and present its case.  Parties that choose arbitration over litigation do so in large part out of a need or desire for an out-of-court proceeding that is confidential, expeditious, and cost effective.  The Rules were developed with each of these objectives in mind.

The complexity of cases will vary greatly.  In rules of general application, it is not appropriate to fix hard and fast deadlines.  Nonthelesss, Rule 15.7 commits the parties and the arbitrator(s) to use their best efforts to assure that the dispute will be submitted to the Tribunal for decision within six months after the initial pre-hearing conference, and that the final award will be rendered within one month after the close of the proceedings.  Rule 9.2 empowers the arbitrator(s) to establish time limits for each phase of the proceeding, including specifically the time allotted to each party for presentation of its case and for rebuttal. 

Counsel are expected to cooperate fully with the Tribunal and with each other to assure that the proceeding will be conducted with civility in an efficient, expeditious and economical manner.  Rule 17.3 empowers the arbitrators in apportioning costs to take into account, inter alia, “the circumstances of the case” and “the conduct of the parties during the proceeding.”  This broad power is intended to permit the arbitrators to apportion a greater share of costs than they otherwise might to a party that has employed tactics the arbitrators consider dilatory, or in other ways has failed to cooperate in assuring the efficient conduct of the proceeding.

Types of Disputes 

The Rules are designed to encompass disputes of any nature, including, for example, commercial disputes, construction disputes, disputes between manufacturers and distributors or franchisees, insurance disputes and disputes between joint venturers.  The Rules may also be adopted by parties that do not have a contractual or other business relationship.  The Rules may even be employed to adjudicate a dispute between a government agency and a private entity, subject to any legal restraints on that government’s submission to arbitration.  The parties may find it appropriate to modify the Rules to adapt the Rules to a specific type of dispute. 

CPR has also published the CPR Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration of International Disputes (the “Non-Administered International Rules”) (Effective March 1, 2018).  The CPR Non-Administered International Rules are designed for disputes involving persons or business enterprises of different nationalities or located in different countries.  Parties to international transactions may specifically provide for application of the Non-Administered International Rules by including the suggested standard pre-dispute clause for those Rules in their contracts, or by agreeing to application of the Non-Administered International Rules after a dispute arises.

CPR has additional rules for administered arbitrations, the CPR Rules for Administered Arbitration (Effective March 1, 2018) and the CPR Rules for the Administered Administration of International Disputes (Effective March 1, 2018).  Where the parties have provided for CPR arbitration generally, without specifying which set of CPR rules shall apply, the CPR Rules for Administered Arbitration shall apply to any arbitration agreement entered into after July 1, 2013 except that, in international cases, the CPR Rules for Administered Arbitration of International Disputes shall apply to any arbitration agreement entered into after December 1, 2014.  

CPR has also developed rules for Patent and Trade Secret Arbitration, Expedited Arbitration of Construction Disputes, and Fast Track mediation and arbitration.  All of the above rules are available on CPR’s website (www.cpradr.org)

While most arbitrations involve two parties, the Rules are also suitable for proceedings among three or more parties. References to “Claimant,” “Respondent” and “other party” should be construed to encompass multiple Claimants, Respondents or other parties in such multi-party proceedings.  Where necessary, the Rules specifically address particular issues raised in the multiparty context.  For example, Rule 3.2 provides that the arbitration shall be deemed commenced “as to any Respondent” when that Respondent receives the notice of arbitration.  Rule 5.5 deals with the constitution of the Tribunal where the arbitration agreement entitles each party to appoint an arbitrator but there is more than one Claimant or Respondent to the dispute.  Rules 3.10 and 3.11 deal with joinder and consolidation. Rule 5.4 provides for the “screened selection” of party-designated arbitrators if the parties have agreed to such procedure.  Rule 5.5 deals with the constitution of the Tribunal where the arbitration agreement entitles each party to appoint an arbitrator but there is more than one Claimant or Respondent to the dispute. Rule 9.3(b) deals with the early disposition of claims, counter-claims, defenses and other legal or factual issues, Rule 9.3(f) provides for the possibility of implementing steps to address issues of cybersecurity and protecting the security of information in the arbitration.

Administered vs. Non-Administered Arbitration

The principal functions normally performed by an organization administering arbitration proceedings are to: 

• provide a set of rules which the parties can adopt in a pre-dispute agreement or for an 
     existing dispute;
  • provide administrative staff to render services required for case handling and to advise on the
     interpretation of the rules;
  • provide lists of persons from which arbitrators may be chosen;
  • appoint the arbitrator(s) if necessary;
  • decide arbitrator conflict of interest challenges if necessary;
  • determine arbitrator fees and bill the parties for such fees;
  • provide hearing rooms;
  • distribute documents;
  • review awards for procedural comments. 

The charges of administering organizations typically are related to the amount in dispute, but rates vary. 

Many arbitration practitioners and arbitrators see a need for administered arbitration, but others favor non-administered (also known as a self-administered or “ad hoc” arbitration), particularly for large or complex cases.  They believe that the arbitrator(s) and the parties’ advocates are capable of performing many of the functions generally performed by the administering organization, and that the arbitrator(s) and advocates often may be better able to control the conduct of the proceeding than such an organization.  The fees charged by an administering organization may also be a factor.  The assistance of a neutral third party may be needed in selecting the Tribunal or deciding a conflict of interest challenge to an arbitrator.  Under the Rules, upon party request CPR is available to perform these functions in non-administered cases. CPR’s fee schedule for performing these functions is listed on CPR’s website (www.cpradr.org). 

A vast majority of arbitrations take place pursuant to the parties’ binding commitment in their business agreement to submit possible future disputes to arbitration in accordance with specified rules.  Once a dispute has arisen, it is usually much more difficult for the parties to agree on any alternative to litigation.  CPR generally recommends the inclusion of a dispute resolution clause in business agreements.  Parties should also consider whether to provide for administered or non-administered arbitration.

Salient Features of The Rules 

The Rules differ in important respects from arbitration rules promulgated by other organizations. Features that CPR considers particularly significant are: 

1. The Rules call for non-administered arbitration, in which CPR only becomes involved when necessary to break an impasse in the proceedings or to allow joinder of one or more third parties to the arbitration or consolidate two or more pending arbitrations into a single arbitration. Specifically, CPR may assist the parties by administering the arbitrator selection process where the parties have selected the “screened” selection procedure of Rule 5.4; appoint arbitrators where the parties are unable to agree on such arbitrators (Rule 6); and rule on challenges to arbitrators (Rule 7).  In addition, prior to the appointment of any arbitrator, CPR may allow joinder of one or more third parties to the arbitration where appropriate (Rule 3.10).  It may also consolidate two or more arbitrations into a single arbitrations if certain conditions are met (Rule 3.11). Joinder and consolidation are allowed only if requested by a party and after consultation with the parties.
2. The Rules require the expeditious conduct of the proceeding, empowering the arbitrator(s) to establish time limits for each phase of the proceeding (Rule 9.2), and to penalize a party engaging in dilatory tactics ( seeRule 17.3).
3. All arbitrators, including those appointed by either party, are required to be independent and impartial (Rule 7.1). Such a requirement enhances the integrity of the arbitration process. Rule 5.4 offers parties, as an option, a “screened” procedure for selecting party-appointed arbitrators without the arbitrators knowing which party appointed them, thereby even further enhancing the integrity of the process.
4. The parties are given ample opportunity to select a sole arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators without intervention of CPR. If they fail, either party may request CPR’s assistance (Rule 6.1).  CPR will first convene the parties to attempt to select the arbitrator(s) by agreement of the parties.  Only if that attempt fails will CPR submit a list of candidates to the parties for ranking (Rule 6.4).  Where a party has failed to appoint an arbitrator to be appointed by it, CPR shall appoint a person whom it deems qualified (Rule 6.5).  Any arbitrator not appointed by a party shall be a member of CPR’s Panels of Distinguished Neutrals (“CPR Panels”), unless the parties agree otherwise (Rule 5.1).
5. The Tribunal may decide challenges to its jurisdiction (Rule 8). This should allow arbitrators to decide all issues, including arbitrability questions, without the necessity for court intervention. As the current law is in flux, parties may wish to include a specific delegation of authority to decide arbitrability in their arbitration clause.
6. The chair of the Tribunal is assigned responsibility for the organization of conferences and hearings and arrangements with respect to the functioning of the Tribunal (Rule 9.1).
7. The Tribunal is required to hold at least one pre-hearing conference to plan and schedule the proceeding (Rule 9.3). Such conference should result in the smooth scheduling of the case, and may aid possible settlement.
8. The Tribunal is required to apply the substantive law chosen by the parties to govern the merits of their dispute (Rule 10.1). The Tribunal is also specifically empowered to grant any remedy, including specific performance and injunctive relief, within the scope of the parties’ agreement and permissible under applicable law (Rule 10.3).
9. The Tribunal is given great leeway in matters of procedure. The Tribunal is specifically empowered, for instance, to:

• establish time limits for each phase of the proceeding (Rule 9.2);
• limit the time allotted to each party for presentation of its case (Rule 9.2);
• make pre-hearing orders (Rule 9.4);
• require such discovery as it deems appropriate (Rule 11);
• require the submission of pre-hearing memoranda (Rules 9.4 and 12.1);
• require evidence to be presented in written or oral form (Rule 12.2).

10. The Tribunal is empowered to appoint neutral experts (Rule 12.3).
11. At the pre-hearing conference, the Tribunal may consider early steps to identify and narrow the issues in the arbitration or to dispose of claims, counter-claims, defenses and legal or factual issues in accordance with the CPR Guidelines on Early Disposition of Issues in Arbitration (Rule 9.3(b)).
12. The Tribunal may also consider the possibility of implementing steps to address issues of cybersecurity and to protect the security of information in the arbitration (Rule 9.3(f)).
13. Rule 12.5 facilitates the development of the next generation of lawyers by empowering the Tribunal to encourage lead counsel to share witness examination and/or legal argument with more junior attorneys.
14. The Tribunal may take interim measures as it deems necessary, including for the preservation of assets (Rule 13.1).
15. The Rules set forth a procedure for applications for emergency relief to an Emergency Arbitrator appointed prior to the constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal (Rule 14).
16.  The Tribunal is required to state the reasoning on which its award rests unless the parties agree otherwise (Rule 15.2). CPR believes the parties are entitled to know how the decision was reached. The requirement that the award be reasoned also discourages any tendency for arbitrators to “split-the-baby.”
17. Each arbitrator is to be fully compensated on a reasonable basis determined at the time of appointment for serving as an arbitrator (Rule 17.1).
18. The Tribunal is empowered to apportion costs, including attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred by the parties, between the parties, taking into account the circumstances of the case, the conduct of the parties during the proceeding and the result (Rule 17.3).
19. The proceedings are confidential, with limited exceptions (Rule 18).
20. The Tribunal may suggest at any time that the parties explore settlement (Rule 19.1).
21. The Tribunal may arrange for mediation of the dispute at any time with the consent of the parties (Rule 19.2).
22. The Rules are intended primarily for disputes between responsible parties who will not attempt to obstruct the process. However, the Rules do permit the process to go forward even if a Respondent fails to deliver a notice of defense, fails to participate in selection of the Tribunal, or ultimately fails to appear at a hearing. (See Rules 3, 6 and 16).

CPR PROTOCOLS AND GUIDELINES

CPR has developed a series of protocols and guidelines to control time and cost and increase efficiency (available on CPR’s website, www.cpradr.org).  These guidelines and protocols should be consulted in applying these Rules, including the Guidelines for Arbitrators Conducting Complex Arbitrations, Guidelines for Early Disposition of Issues in Arbitration, Protocol on Determination of Damages in Arbitration, and Protocol on Disclosure of Documents & Presentation of Witnesses in Commercial Arbitration.  These protocols and guidelines are specifically designed to work in harmony with these Rules and to facilitate the expeditious and economical resolution of disputes while ensuring a fair process that respects each party’s right to a reasonable opportunity to develop and present its case.

COMMENTARY ON STANDARD CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS 

CPR recommends that in most instances, business agreements include a multistep ADR scheme with three sequential stages of dispute resolution: 

  (i)  a Negotiation Phase between executives with decision-making authority who are at a higher level than the personnel involved in the dispute;

  (ii)  a Mediation Phase to facilitate settlement by employing a skilled neutral, not to impose a solution, but to assist the parties in reaching agreement; and

  (iii)  a Final Binding Arbitration Phase in case the non-binding phases produce no settlement, or, Litigation if the non-binding phases produce no settlement and private binding arbitration is not selected. See CPR’s website for sample clauses (www.cpradr.org). 

The suggested standard pre-dispute clause and submission agreement which precede the Rules may be modified or supplemented.  It is desirable that the parties specify the number of arbitrators, the place of arbitration and the governing law.  If a governing law is specified, it may be advisable to state whether or not the conflict of laws rules of that law are included.

The pre-dispute clause and the submission agreement call for an election as to whether the Tribunal will be composed of: 

• three arbitrators, of whom each party appoints one, and the two party-appointed arbitrators in turn attempt to select the third,
• three arbitrators, of whom each party shall designate one in accordance with the “screened” appointment procedure provided in Rule 5.4 and CPR selects the third (discussed in greater detail in the Commentary to Rule 5),
• three arbitrators, none of whom are appointed by the parties, or
• a sole arbitrator. 

Such an election made in a pre-dispute clause may be changed by further agreement once a specific dispute has arisen.  If the parties fail to make an election, the party-appointed model where each party appoints an arbitrator and they in turn select the third applies in accordance with Rule 5.1. (Rules 5 and 6 govern the selection of arbitrators.)  The parties may also elect, through the pre-dispute clause, to opt out of the Emergency Arbitrator procedure established by Rule 14.  If the parties do not expressly opt out of that procedure, it shall be deemed part of any arbitration clause or agreement where parties agree to arbitrate under the CPR Rules. 

Pursuant to Volt Information Sciences, Inc. v. Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University, 489 U.S. 468, 109 S. Ct. 1248 (1989), CPR has inserted language in the standard pre-dispute clause and submission agreement to the effect that the arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act.  If parties choose to use a different law, or if the federal law does not apply (where, for example, the underlying transaction is not “in commerce”), another law should be specified.  It is essential for the parties to stipulate that judgment may be entered upon the award, in order to comply with the requirement of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 9.

The U.S. Supreme Court in Mastrobuono v. Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc., 512 U.S. 52, 115 S. Ct. 1212 (1995), held that, unless the parties expressly agree otherwise, arbitrators are authorized to award punitive damages.  If the parties wish to preclude the arbitrators from awarding punitive damages, it would be advisable to include a provision to that effect in the pre-dispute clause or the submission agreement.  A suggested provision to that effect is: 

“The arbitrator(s) are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages [and each party expressly waives and foregoes any right to punitive, exemplary or similar damages unless a statute requires that compensatory damages be increased in a specified manner.]”

Appeals – Parties wishing to authorize an appeal to the CPR Arbitration Appeal Tribunal under the CPR Arbitration Appeal Procedure should include the following language in their arbitration clauses or post-dispute arbitration agreement: 

“An appeal may be taken under the CPR Arbitration Appeal Procedure from any final award of an arbitral panel in any arbitration arising out of or related to this agreement that is conducted in accordance with the requirements of such Procedure.  Unless otherwise agreed by the parties and the appeal tribunal, the appeal shall be conducted at the place of the original arbitration.”

COMMENTARY ON INDIVIDUAL RULES

A.  General and Introductory Rules 

Rule 3. Commencement of Arbitration 

Rule 3 sets forth the procedure to be followed when a proceeding is commenced pursuant to a pre-dispute arbitration clause.  Rules 3.1 and 3.2 provide that the arbitration is deemed commenced on the date when the notice of arbitration is received by the Respondent.  Rule 2 governs how notices are to be made, and authorizes service of notices and other communications by registered mail, courier, facsimile transmission, email communications or any other means of telecommunication that provides a record thereof.  It is generally advisable to serve the notice of arbitration that commences the arbitration by registered mail and/or by courier rather than by facsimile, email or other electronic means.

Under Rule 3.4, the arbitration will proceed even if the Respondent should fail to file a timely notice of defense.  If the pre-dispute clause required each party to appoint an arbitrator, and either party fails to do so, the other party may request CPR to step in pursuant to Rule 6. Rule 3.8 provides that claims, counterclaims, defenses and replies can be may be freely added or amended prior to the establishment of the Tribunal and thereafter with the Tribunal’s consent. 

A submission agreement entered into after a dispute has arisen may include all or some of the material called for by Rules 3.3 and 3.5 and may eliminate the need for a notice of arbitration and a notice of defense.  Rule 3.9 provides that “Rule 3 shall apply to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the submission agreement.”  If the parties so desire, the submission agreement can provide that Rule 3 notices will not be required or will be modified.

Rule 4. Representation 

It is assumed that parties normally would be represented by a law firm or an individual attorney; however, the Rules permit parties to be represented or assisted by any persons of their choice.

Under the laws of certain jurisdictions, representation of a party in an arbitration proceeding may constitute the practice of law, in which case representation by an attorney would be required.  If the parties are represented by legal counsel, such counsel need not be a member of the local bar at the seat of the arbitration unless local law or regulation at the seat of the arbitration so requires.

B. Rules With Respect To The Tribunal

Rule 5.  Selection of The Arbitrators By The Parties 

Most practitioners, when confronted with a large or complex dispute, have greater confidence in a panel of three arbitrators than in a single arbitrator.  Moreover, they usually prefer to permit each party to appoint an arbitrator.  Rule 5.1 provides, therefore, that the Tribunal shall consist of two arbitrators appointed by the parties and a third arbitrator who shall chair the Tribunal, unless the parties have agreed on a Tribunal consisting of a sole arbitrator or three arbitrators not appointed by the parties.

Rule 5.4, added to the Rules in 2000, and the default procedure under the Administered Rules, presents a novel “screened” procedure for constituting a three-member Tribunal, two of whom are designated by the parties without knowing which party designated each of them.  The procedure is intended to offer the benefits, while avoiding some of the drawbacks, of having party-appointed arbitrators.  On the one hand, parties are able to designate arbitrators whom they consider to be well-qualified to sit on the Tribunal.  On the other hand, any tendency (subtle or otherwise) of party-appointed arbitrators to favor or advocate the position of the parties who appointed them is avoided because those arbitrators are approached and appointed by CPR rather than the parties and are not told which party designated each of them.  The Rules governing ex parte communications (Rule 7.4), challenges (Rule 7.6), and resignations (Rule 7.9) contain specific provisions designed to preserve the “screen” for the party-designated arbitrators under Rule 5.4 throughout the arbitration.  The parties may choose the “screened” selection procedure in their pre-dispute arbitration clause (see standard pre-dispute clause), or agree to the screened procedure once a dispute arises.

CPR recognizes that, as a practical matter, some party-designated arbitrators selected pursuant to Rule 5.4 may deduce or learn which parties designated them – i.e., the “screen” may not, in all instances, be perfect.  CPR nevertheless believes that the screened procedure is worthy of consideration by parties as a means to enhance the integrity of arbitrations involving party-appointed arbitrators. Any party-designated arbitrator who does, in fact, learn which party appointed him or her should disclose that fact to each of the parties and the other members of the Tribunal in order to ensure a level playing field.  In the event an arbitrator discovers who appointed him or her, such knowledge would not be a basis for disqualification or challenge per se, and the arbitration can continue uninterrupted on a non-”screened” basis. 

For many parties, the ability to select a Tribunal well qualified to hear and decide their dispute is a primary motivation to opt for arbitration.  The selection of highly qualified, experienced arbitrators is critical.  CPR firmly believes that at least the chair of the Tribunal usually should be a respected attorney experienced in arbitration.  

The arbitrators should be persons able and willing to control the course of the proceeding and to make definitive rulings on substantive and procedural matters.

Sophisticated counsel representing the parties are likely to know of individuals, especially of attorneys, who are well qualified and who meet the “independent and impartial” standard of Rule 7.1.  CPR has established panels of leading members of the bar, including former judges, who are highly qualified to serve as arbitrators, in its CPR Panels of Distinguished Neutrals.  CPR’s lists of panelists are available to members on the CPR website (www.cpradr.org) or upon request and payment of a fee from CPR, and panel members may be contacted directly.

Unless parties otherwise agree, Rule 5.1 requires that any arbitrator, not appointed by a party, shall be a member of the CPR Panels.

It should be noted that scheduling hearings on dates on which all three arbitrators are available frequently presents considerable difficulties and may well result in delays.  Moreover, the need to have two or three arbitrators agree on the text of an award may also cause delay and additional expense.  Consequently, a proceeding conducted by a sole arbitrator may be more expeditious and less expensive.

Tribunals of two arbitrators have been used on occasion, typically in complex technological disputes in which the objective was to structure a modus vivendi rather than only to arrive at conclusions as to liability and damages.  The Rules may be modified to provide for a two-arbitrator Tribunal.

Rule 5.5 deals with the constitution of three member Tribunals in the multi-party context.  It provides that, if there is more than one Claimant or one Respondent, and the parties’ arbitration clause contemplates each party appointing an arbitrator, then the multiple Claimants or multiple Respondents can jointly appoint an arbitrator.  If they are unable or unwilling to do so, CPR shall appoint all of the arbitrators following the procedures of Rule 6.4.

Rule 6. Selection of The Arbitrator(s) By CPR 

Selection of arbitrators by the parties is the preferred course, and the parties are given ample opportunity to select a Tribunal without CPR’s assistance.  However, if they fail, either party may request CPR’s assistance at the time and in the manner specified in Rule 6. For CPR’s fee schedule for providing such assistance, see CPR’s website (www.cpradr.org).

In accordance with Rule 6.4(a), CPR then will convene the parties and will propose candidates in an attempt to complete the Tribunal in this informal and speedy manner.  If this procedure is not wholly successful, CPR will submit a list of candidates to the parties in writing. The parties are required to rank the nominees in order of preference.  The nominee(s) willing to serve for whom the parties collectively have indicated the highest preference will be selected.  Where a party has failed to appoint its party-appointed arbitrator, CPR shall appoint a person whom it deems qualified (Rule 6.5).

The parties will be encouraged to inform CPR of the qualifications they seek in an arbitrator. Individuals nominated by CPR will be members of the CPR Panels, absent a special reason to go beyond the CPR Panels compelled by the particular circumstances of the arbitration.

Rule 7. Qualifications, Challenges And Replacement Of Arbitrators 

The degree of independence expected of a party-appointed arbitrator in the United States is not always clear.  Parties sometimes expect the arbitrator they appoint to act as their advocate on the Tribunal.  CPR does not favor this approach.  CPR believes that the advocacy role should be performed exclusively by each party’s counsel or other representative, and that permitting arbitrators to play such a role is prejudicial to the disinterested and candid deliberations in which the Tribunal should engage.  Consequently, Rule 7.1 states:  “Each arbitrator shall be independent and impartial.”

The rationale for party appointment is to enable each party to select an individual it considers well qualified and whom it expects in turn to select a capable chair of the Tribunal.  A party may not have ex parte communications relating to the case (other than of a purely ministerial nature) with any arbitrator or arbitrator candidate, except that a party may discuss the case in general terms with an individual before appointment to determine his or her suitability and availability to serve as arbitrator, and may confer with its appointee regarding the selection of the chair of the Tribunal (Rule 7.4).  No ex parte communications whatsoever are allowed with arbitrators or arbitrator candidates who have been or may be designated pursuant to the screened selection procedure of Rule 5.4.

Rule 7.2 recognizes that other time commitments of arbitrators may well delay the proceeding, particularly if the Tribunal consists of more than one arbitrator.  The Rule provides that by accepting appointment each arbitrator is deemed to represent that he or she has the time available to devote to the expeditious process contemplated by the Rules.

Rules 7.3 and 7.5 - 7.8 set forth a formal procedure for disclosure of “circumstances that might give rise to justifiable doubt regarding the arbitrator’s independence or impartiality,” and for a challenge for “justifiable doubt,” after the Tribunal has been constituted.  It is anticipated that normally an individual’s possible conflicts of interest would be disclosed and resolved informally before selection, and that it would rarely become necessary to invoke the formal procedure.

In general, CPR believes all arbitrators should be held to high ethical standards and urges arbitrators to consult any potentially applicable ethical rules at the place of arbitration or elsewhere, as well as appropriate codes and guidelines.  In that connection, CPR endorses the Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes (AAA/ABA 2004) to the extent not inconsistent with the CPR Rules. See also the CPR-Georgetown Model Rule for the lawyer as a Third Party Neutral.

If an arbitrator is formally challenged by a party, Rule 7.8 provides that CPR (for a fixed administrative fee) will decide the challenge after providing the challenged arbitrator, the other members of the Tribunal and the non-challenging party with an opportunity to comment on the challenge.  In providing an opportunity to comment and deciding the challenge, CPR will follow the procedures set forth in its CPR Challenge Protocol (distributed to the parties and the Tribunal upon notification of a challenge and/or upon request).  The CPR Challenge Protocol provides that challenges are decided by a designated Challenge Officer within CPR or, where appropriate in light of the difficulty, complexity or other relevant factors, by a Challenge Review Committee consisting of three members drawn from a CPR Challenge Review Board of CPR Panelists. 

Decisions on challenges will be made and communicated to the parties and Tribunal expeditiously.  The basis and reasons underlying the decision, however, are not communicated to the parties or the Tribunal, consistent with the confidential and administrative nature of the decision and the desire to avoid or minimize interlocutory proceedings in the courts.  For CPR’s fee schedule, see CPR’s website (www.cpradr.org).

Rules 7.9 - 7.11 provide for the event that an arbitrator must be replaced due to a successful challenge, resignation, failure to act, or death. In that event, a substitute arbitrator is selected pursuant to the procedure by which the arbitrator being replaced was selected.  In recognition of the (usually slight) risk that party-appointed arbitrators might resign to delay the proceedings, the Rules are designed to minimize the impact of such tactics. Rule 7.9 allows the party that appointed the resigning arbitrator only 20 days to appoint a replacement, after which CPR is empowered to make the appointment.  Moreover, under Rule 7.11, the remaining majority of the Tribunal have discretion not to repeat any previously held hearings once the substitute arbitrator is appointed. 

Rule 7.12 provides that two arbitrators of a three member Tribunal have the power to continue arbitral proceedings and issue an award, notwithstanding any failure by the third arbitrator to participate, if the two arbitrators deem it appropriate to do so.  This rule is designed to ensure the efficient conduct of the proceedings and protect the enforceability of an award rendered by two arbitrators from any later challenges.

Rule 8. Challenges to The Jurisdiction of The Tribunal.  This Rule expresses the generally accepted principle that arbitrator(s) have the competence initially to determine their own jurisdiction, both over the subject matter of the dispute and over the parties to the arbitration.  Accordingly, any objections to the existence, scope or validity of the arbitration agreement, or the arbitrability of the subject matter of the dispute, are decided, at least in the first instance, by the Tribunal consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in First Options of Chicago v. Kaplan, 514 U.S. 938, 115 S. Ct. 1920 (1995). As the current state of the law with respect to the delegation of arbitrability is in flux, parties may wish to include in their clause an express delegation to the Tribunal of the power to decide arbitrability.

The arbitrator(s) will decide whether the arbitration proceeds in the face of a jurisdictional challenge.

C. Rules With Respect To The Conduct Of The Arbitral Proceedings 

Rule 9.  General Provisions

Under Rule 9.1, the Tribunal may conduct the arbitration as it deems appropriate, taking into consideration any agreements between the parties and any mandatory provisions of applicable arbitration law (Rule 1.2).  Such mandatory provisions could include, for example, provisions of arbitration law at the seat of arbitration requiring arbitrators and/or witnesses to take oaths.  The proceedings are to be conducted in an expeditious manner.

Rule 9.1 further provides that the chair is “responsible for the organization of the arbitral conferences and hearings and arrangements with respect to the functioning of the Tribunal.”  The efficiency of the proceeding will depend in large part on the chair’s taking the lead in asserting the Tribunal’s control over critical aspects of the procedure, including the setting of time limits as authorized by Rule 9.2.

The Rules give the Tribunal wide latitude as to the manner in which the proceeding will be conducted.  It is expected that the procedure will be determined in large part during the pre-hearing conference(s) held pursuant to Rule 9.3.  The initial pre-hearing conference will be held promptly after the constitution of the Tribunal, and following that conference(s) the Tribunal will issue a procedural timetable and/or one or more orders on procedural matters.  The procedural timetable should fix the dates for the evidentiary hearing and in most instances provide for the dispute to be submitted to the Tribunal for decision within six months of the initial conference, in accordance with Rule 15.7.

The initial pre-hearing conference prescribed by Rule 9.3 should ordinarily be held in person in order to maximize the benefits of the conference, but may also be held by telephone or other form of electronic or teleconference where considerations of efficiency so dictate.

Narrowing the issues and identifying those that are central to and determinative of the controversy should be strongly encouraged by the Tribunal in the interest of simplifying and expediting the proceeding.

Some claims, counter-claims, defenses or legal or factual issues may be appropriate for early disposition, without the need for a full-blown hearing of the entire dispute. Rule 9.3(b) provides that at the pre-hearing conference, the Tribunal may consider the desirability of ruling on such issues at a preliminary stage of the proceedings, taking into consideration CPR’s Guidelines on Early Disposition of Issues in Arbitration (available on CPR’s website, www.cpradr.org).

Other controversies hinge on a key issue of a technical nature on which a neutral expert can be helpful in bringing about a resolution.  The appointment by the Tribunal of such an expert is authorized by Rule 12.3 and also can be discussed at the pre-hearing conference.

The Tribunal may bifurcate the proceeding. If the proceeding is bifurcated to first decide the issue of liability, the parties then may well be able to agree on the remedy.  Often parties have options not available to a judge or to arbitrators.

In addition to the initial pre-hearing conference, the Tribunal can be expected to schedule interim pre-hearing conferences, leading to a final pre-hearing conference, so that it can monitor the proceedings and assist the parties in adhering to the procedural timetable and schedule.  These conference will usually be held telephonically and may well give the arbitrators an opportunity to suggest settlement discussions or mediation, if appropriate, as contemplated by Rule 19. Simply bringing the attorneys (and parties) together for purposes of a conference may lead to such discussions.

As provided in Rule 9.3(f), at the pre-hearing conference the possibility of implementing steps to address issues of cybersecurity and to protect the security of information in the arbitration may also be considered. 

Rule 10. Applicable Law(s) And Remedies 

Under Rule 10, unless the parties shall have agreed in their contract or otherwise as to which law shall govern, the Tribunal is free to apply the law(s) or rules of law as it determines to be appropriate to govern the dispute.  Rule 10.3 makes clear that the Tribunal can grant any remedy or relief available under the contract and applicable law, including equitable relief such as specific performance and injunctive relief. Indeed, arbitrators have been held to have even greater latitude than courts in fashioning appropriate equitable relief. Arbitrators may not simply do as they please, however; any remedy or relief granted must be permissible under the contract and applicable law and Rule 15.2 requires arbitrators to explain the reasoning on which their awards rest. 

Punitive Damages – The U.S. Supreme Court in Mastrobuono v. Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc., 512 U.S. 52, 115 S. Ct. 1212 (1995), held that, unless the parties expressly agree otherwise, arbitrators are authorized to award punitive damages.

If the parties wish to preclude the arbitrators from awarding punitive damages, it would be advisable to include a provision to that effect in the pre-dispute clause or the submission agreement.  A suggested provision to that effect is:  

“The arbitrator(s) are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages [and each party expressly waives and foregoes any right to punitive, exemplary or similar damages unless a statute requires that compensatory damages be increased in a specified manner.]”

Rule 11.  Discovery

Under Rule 11, the Tribunal “may require and facilitate such discovery as it shall determine is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the needs of the parties and the desirability of making discovery expeditious and cost-effective.”

Arbitration is not for the litigator who will “leave no stone unturned.” Unlimited discovery is incompatible with the goals of efficiency and economy.  The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure are not applicable.  Discovery should be limited to those items which a party has a substantial, demonstrable need.  Rule 12.2 provides for the application of the attorney-client privilege and the work product immunity.  That protection is intended to apply to discovery as well as to hearings.

It is desirable for the parties’ counsel to agree, preferably before the initial pre-hearing conference, on a discovery plan and schedule and to submit the same to the Tribunal for its approval.

A party may encounter difficulties if it needs to secure documents or testimony from an uncooperative third party.  The arbitrators may well be of assistance in such a situation through the exercise of their subpoena power or in other ways.  If the third party’s location is beyond subpoena range, holding a hearing at that location may be an option.  Whether arbitrators also have the power to issue enforceable subpoenas to third parties to obtain pre-hearing discovery is an unsettled question and applicable law should be reviewed.

Rule 12. Evidence and Hearings 

The Rules do not establish a detailed mandatory hearing procedure but permit the Tribunal to determine the procedure.  At least the main features should be established during the pre-hearing conference(s).  The Tribunal need not apply rules of evidence used in judicial proceedings, except that the Tribunal is required to apply the attorney-client privilege and the work product immunity when it determines that the same are applicable (Rule 12.2).

Self-authentication of documentary exhibits, the authenticity of which are not disputed, is a widely used practice which reduces hearing time.  In cases in which voluminous testimony is expected, the hearings will be expedited considerably if the Tribunal requires the direct testimony of all or most witnesses to be submitted in written form before the witness is to appear.  This procedure also enables opposing counsel to better prepare for cross-examination.  Affidavits would be admissible in evidence unless the Tribunal rules otherwise.

The Tribunal should consider at the pre-hearing conference the imposition of time limits on case presentation, as authorized by Rule 9.2.  If necessary, any such limits can be extended.

The efficiency of the proceeding will be enhanced substantially if hearings are held on consecutive days.  If the Tribunal heeds every schedule conflict claim and adjournment request by either counsel, the hearings may stretch out unnecessarily, resulting in delay and additional cost.

Rule 12.3 empowers the Tribunal to appoint neutral experts. CPR expects this power to be exercised sparingly, and only following consultation with the parties as to the need for a neutral expert, the scope of the assignment, and identification of well-qualified candidates.  It is not intended that the expert give advice to the Tribunal ex parte; indeed, the Rule entitles the parties to cross-examine and to rebut the expert.  The conflicting views of partisan experts can lead to confusion rather than enlightenment of arbitrators.  In appropriate cases the arbitrators might encourage the parties early on, e.g., at the pre-hearing conference, to agree on the joint appointment of a neutral expert.

The Rules do not automatically require the submission of post-hearing briefs, but the Tribunal may order the submission of such briefs.  Final oral argument may also be scheduled, either at the conclusion of the evidentiary hearings or at a later date.

The Tribunal’s powers with respect to subpoenas are determined by applicable law and are not dealt with specifically in the Rules.

Rule 14.  Emergency Measures of Protection By an Emergency Arbitrator

Rule 14 establishes a procedure pursuant to which an emergency arbitrator may be appointed within a short time frame at the request of a party in order to adjudicate a claim for emergency measures prior to the constitution of the Tribunal.  CPR appoints the emergency arbitrator.  As with any relief granted by the Tribunal, a remedy or relief granted by the emergency arbitrator must be permissible under the contract and applicable law.

Rule 14.12 provides that a request for interim relief by a party to a court shall not be deemed incompatible with the agreement to arbitrate.  This provision is not intended to permit a party to seek relief in one forum if it is denied elsewhere.

Rule 15. The Award 

Rule 15.2 provides: “All awards shall be in writing and shall state the reasoning on which the award rests unless the parties agree otherwise.”  Most parties engaging in arbitration want to know the basis on which the arbitrator(s) reached their decision.  CPR, moreover, considers it good discipline for arbitrators to require them to spell out their reasoning. Sometimes this process gives rise to second thoughts as to the soundness of the result.  The Rule 15.2 mandate gives the arbitrator(s) greater leeway than would a requirement to state “conclusions of law and findings of fact.”  Some parties hesitate to arbitrate out of a concern that arbitrators are prone to “split the baby”, i.e., to make compromise awards.  Any tendency on the part of arbitrators to reach compromise awards should be restrained by the requirement of a reasoned award.

Certain administering organizations and practitioners favor “bare” awards without explanation of any sort, in the belief that such awards are the least likely to be challenged and overturned by a court.  In CPR’s view, the risk that a reasoned award will be successfully challenged normally is small and outweighed by the other considerations mentioned above.

Where there are three arbitrators, a majority of the arbitrators must sign the award.  Occasionally, a Tribunal of three arbitrators experiences great difficulty in developing a position to which a majority can subscribe.  Certain other arbitration rules empower the chair of the Tribunal to make an award singly under such circumstances, notwithstanding the (usually slight) risk of a rogue chair ruling unreasonably.  The parties are free to modify the Rules to grant such authority to the chair.

Unless the parties have agreed in their business agreement or otherwise which law shall govern, the Tribunal is free to determine the law which is to govern the award.

Rule 15.7 requires the parties and the arbitrators to use their best efforts to submit the dispute to the Tribunal for decision within six months of the initial pre-hearing conference, and to render the final award within one month after the close of the proceedings.

The Rules do not deal expressly with confirmation of an award, as the matter is covered by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 9 and its state counterparts.  For most users of arbitration, the finality of the arbitration award is a significant advantage of arbitration over court litigation.  But parties to major cases are occasionally concerned about the possibility of an aberrant award and would like the option of a private appeal to a tribunal of outstanding appellate arbitrators.  In response to that concern, CPR has promulgated the CPR Arbitration Appeal Procedure, which is available on the CPR website (www.cpradr.org) or upon request from CPR.

D. Miscellaneous Rules

Rule 16. Failure To Comply With Rules

Rule 16 empowers the Tribunal to impose a remedy it deems just whenever a party materially fails to comply with the Rules.  The power to make an award on default is specifically provided.  Pursuant to Rule 17.3, the Tribunal also may take a party’s conduct during the proceeding into account in assessing costs. 

Rule 17. Costs 

CPR believes that highly qualified arbitrators are entitled to be fully compensated for their service as arbitrators.  If an arbitrator is a member of a law firm, he or she is likely to expect compensation at approximately the hourly rates normally charged for his or her services.  The rates payable to party-appointed arbitrators should be agreed to between the appointee and the appointing party (except where the screened procedure of Rule 5.4 is being used to designate party-appointed arbitrators, in which case the rates will be agreed to between the appointees and CPR).  The rates of other arbitrators should be established by agreement with both parties.  The members of a three-member Tribunal are likely to be compensated at different rates, but gross variations may present problems.  In any event, the compensation for each of the arbitrators should be fully disclosed to all Tribunal members and parties.

Normally, the parties are expected to make advances for costs to a fund pursuant to Rule 17.4, and the arbitrators’ fees, as well as other expenses, would be paid from such fund.

The “costs of arbitration” enumerated in Rule 17.2 include the costs for legal representation and assistance and experts incurred by a party to such extent as the Tribunal may deem appropriate.

In accordance with Rule 17.3, unless the parties otherwise agreed, the Tribunal may apportion the costs of arbitration between the parties “in such manner as it deems reasonable taking into account the circumstances of the case, the conduct of the parties during the proceeding, and the result of the arbitration.”  The arbitrator(s) may take into account tactics by either party that unreasonably interfered with the expeditious conduct of the proceeding.

Rule 19. Settlement And Mediation

A high percentage of civil lawsuits are disposed of before a trial or hearing takes place, most by settlement. Many arbitrations also settle. Yet often each party is reluctant to propose settlement negotiations, if only out of concern that the proposal will be seen as a sign of weakness.  A suggestion to explore settlement by the Tribunal at one or more appropriate junctures in the proceeding can potentially launch such negotiations without either party’s bearing the onus of being the proposer.

A skilled mediator can play a critical role in bringing about agreement between adversaries, even where unaided negotiations did not result in agreement.  If the Tribunal believes that mediation may result in a settlement, the Tribunal may suggest that the parties engage in such a process and, if the parties agree, assist in arranging the same.  The parties should consider suspending the arbitration proceedings while mediation is in progress, at least for a limited time.

It may well be desirable for senior executives to play an active role in a mediation proceeding.  Often the parties have settlement options that are business-oriented and more creative than the payment of money.  Business executives are likely to be best able to explore such options.

As a general rule, members of the Tribunal should not serve as mediator.  The parties may hesitate to confide in an arbitrator serving as mediator and an arbitrator would be inhibited in making settlement proposals or giving advice to the parties.  Moreover, an arbitrator serving as mediator may no longer be able to serve as an impartial arbitrator if the mediation fails to resolve the dispute.  The Tribunal can nevertheless be helpful by proposing well qualified candidates to serve as a mediator.

If a settlement does not come about, the terms of any settlement offers should not be admitted into evidence at the hearings or otherwise disclosed to the Tribunal.  If the parties enter into a settlement agreement, they may request that the Tribunal issue an award incorporating the settlement terms.  If all of the parties make such a request and this request is accepted by the Tribunal, then the Tribunal may record the settlement in the form of an award.  The Tribunal is not obliged to give reasons for such an award.

For information on how to file a matter with CPR, see File a Case | CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (cpradr.org).