Your letter of arbitration should be concise, professional, and factual. Follow the standard business letter format, including your name and contact information at the top. Ensure that your writing is clear, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the reader.
Parties will need to provide material evidence during the arbitration process. Some arbitrators may require that some types of evidence (such as invoices, pictures, and party correspondence) be presented in a specific format, such as in a binder and labeled in a certain order.
"A dispute having arisen between the parties concerning , the parties hereby agree that the dispute shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the LCIA Rules. The number of arbitrators shall be one/three. The seat, or legal place, of arbitration shall be City and/or Country.
Outline a concise factual background and then move on to a discussion of the issues at the heart of the case. Your arguments should flow easily from the relevant facts and applicable law. And, by all means, avoid exaggeration of the strengths of your case as well as disparagement of the opposing side.
Never say anything to an arbitrator unless you are 100% sure it is correct. If you don't know the answer to a question, simply say, “I don't know the answer but will get it for you promptly.” Arbitrators respect lawyers who can zealously advocate for their clients and work out procedural issues with opposing counsel.
Much like the opening statement in a trial, your arbitration statement should lay out what the “evidence” – the written material – will show regarding the proper credit on the project. The Arbitration Statement is not established fact, just your assessment of the material.
In conclusion, an effective opening statement will tell the arbitrator in a concise, courteous fashion exactly what the factual situation in the case is, what the issues are, how the advocate wants the arbitrator to rule on the issues, and exactly what relief is being requested.
Most arbitrators and academics have long understood that, absent terms to the contrary in the agreement providing for arbitration, the traditional rules of evidence do not apply, and certainly do not strictly apply, in arbitration.
(a) An arbitration proceeding is less formal than a court proceeding. The arbitrator shall admit any relevant evidence if it is the kind of evidence on which reasonable, prudent persons rely in the conduct of their affairs. Reliable, relevant evidence may be presented by the parties.
Always get straight to the merits without berating the other side or whining about how badly it has treated you. Another threat to your credibility is the “kitchen sink” arbitration demand or a response that includes numerous claims or defenses that have little chance of succeeding.