The Role Of Arbitration Lawyers in SIAC Arbitration

In any SIAC arbitration, your arbitration lawyers are pivotal to the success of the case. Before we discuss how one should go about engaging a Singapore law firm for your SIAC arbitration, here’s a breakdown of what you might need a lawyer for.

Advising on the merits of the claim

Your arbitration lawyer will review the case and provide advice on the strengths and weaknesses of the claim. This includes identifying legal issues and assessing the evidence to determine the chances of success in the arbitration process.

Drafting the arbitration claim

The arbitration lawyer will draft the arbitration claim, which is a document that sets out the client’s position and arguments in the dispute. This includes identifying the legal basis of the claim and the specific relief sought.

Responding to the counterclaim

If the respondent files a counterclaim, the arbitration lawyer will respond to it on behalf of the client. This includes analyzing the counterclaim and preparing a defence to it.

Participating in the selection of the arbitrator

The arbitration lawyer will participate in the selection of the arbitrator, either by mutual agreement with the other party or through the SIAC’s procedures.

Preparing for the hearing

The arbitration lawyer will prepare for the hearing, which includes reviewing and organizing evidence, preparing witness statements, and preparing legal arguments.

Representing the client at the hearing

The arbitration lawyer will represent the client at the hearing, presenting arguments and evidence on their behalf.

Negotiating a settlement

If the opportunity arises, the arbitration lawyer will negotiate a settlement with the other party to resolve the dispute.

Enforcing the award

After the final award is issued, the arbitration lawyer will assist the client in enforcing the award, which may include filing a lawsuit to enforce the award in the relevant jurisdiction.

Overall, the role of the arbitration lawyer in SIAC arbitration is extensive, from advising on the merits of the claim to enforcing the final award. This underscores the importance of selecting the right arbitration lawyers, who have the necessary experience and expertise to navigate the complexities of international arbitration and the specific rules and procedures of SIAC.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Arbitration Lawyers

Experience In Similar Arbitration Disputes As Yours

Shortlist law firms who have experience in handling similar disputes to yours. Look for lawyers who have experience in handling SIAC arbitration cases or who have experience in the specific industry or area of law related to your dispute. A lawyer with relevant experience and a proven track record will be able to provide practical advice on strategy and tactics to achieve a favourable outcome.

Specialized Expertise

Look for lawyers who have specialized knowledge and experience in the relevant industry or area of law related to your dispute. For example, if your dispute involves construction or engineering, you may want to select lawyers with experience in construction or engineering disputes. Lawyers with specific expertise in the relevant area of law or industry will be better equipped to understand the technical aspects of the dispute and provide targeted advice on how to approach the case.

Reputation

Reputation and thought leadership is important in international arbitration, where the integrity and impartiality of the arbitral process are crucial. Research the lawyer’s reputation by reading reviews, seeking referrals from colleagues or industry professionals, or researching the lawyer’s past cases and outcomes in arbitration disputes. Feel free to ask prospective lawyers for their relevant experience in related matters.

Costs and Billing Transparency

Consider the cost of engaging arbitration lawyers. While experience and expertise are important, they should be balanced against the cost of the services provided. Look for firms that provide cost-effective and efficient services without compromising quality. Understand the fee structure clearly before engaging their services, and make sure to clarify any hidden fees or charges.

Availability Of The Key Lawyers

Availability is key in arbitration, where deadlines can be tight and time is of the essence. Look for lawyers who are responsive and available when needed, and who have the resources to handle your case effectively. You can discuss the lawyer’s availability and workload before engaging their services, and be sure to clarify their communication expectations and response times while ensuring their availability if your matter is time sensitive.

The Importance of Early Engagement of Arbitration Lawyers

Early engagement of arbitration lawyers is crucial to the success of your case. Engaging a lawyer early in the process allows them to provide strategic advice and guidance on how to approach the dispute, as well as to help you navigate the complex procedural rules of SIAC arbitration. An experienced arbitration lawyer can assist you in drafting the arbitration agreement and ensure that it is properly structured to achieve your goals. Early engagement also allows your lawyer to conduct a thorough review of the facts and evidence, assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and develop a strong legal strategy that maximizes your chances of success. Waiting too long to engage an arbitration lawyer can result in missed opportunities, costly mistakes, and may limit the options available to you. By engaging an experienced arbitration lawyer early in the process, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and avoid unnecessary delays and costs.