But, in the absence of an agreement between all parties to end the proceedings, can a claimant unilaterally withdraw from an arbitration that it has commenced? The short answer is yes. No set of institutional rules prevents a party from abandoning claims it has raised in an arbitration.
The short answer is yes. No set of institutional rules prevents a party from abandoning claims it has raised in an arbitration. But there could be important implications to think through, depending on when the withdrawal occurs, and what else has occurred in the proceedings.
Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings. It should be noted the Additional Facility Rules do not contain an analogous provision.
In ICSID proceedings, a request for arbitration can be unilaterally withdrawn only before its registration. Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings.
Once parties enter into an arbitration agreement, they are generally bound by its terms, including the commitment to resolve their dispute through the arbitration process. However, there are limited circumstances under which you might exit the arbitration or change the arbitrator.
(1) The arbitral proceedings shall be terminated by the final arbitral award or by an order of the arbitral tribunal under sub-section (2). (c) the arbitral tribunal finds that the continuation of the proceedings has for any other reason become unnecessary or impossible.
The short answer is yes. No set of institutional rules prevents a party from abandoning claims it has raised in an arbitration. But there could be important implications to think through, depending on when the withdrawal occurs, and what else has occurred in the proceedings.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
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.