Faculty to host major arbitration conference and unveil new PI service

Faculty of Advocates Arbitration will be launching a new personal injury arbitration service at the conference in Edinburgh on 29-30 September.

The benefits of arbitration are numerous, but speed, economy, choice of forum, confidentiality and choice of decision makers are key attractions for parties. There are also not the same geographical limitations as exist in the court-based litigation process.

There will also be an important role for solicitors both in instructing counsel involved in the arbitrations or acting for their own clients, with counsel acting as arbitrator.

Arran Dowling-Hussey, barrister and arbitrator at the Law Library, Dublin, and 33 Bedford Row Chambers said: “The Faculty of Advocates Personal Injuries Arbitration Scheme is a very welcome development and those involved in establishing the scheme are to be commended. On an access to justice basis, the Personal Injuries Arbitration Scheme is going to be beneficial for those claimants and defendants who otherwise would have used the courts both in Scotland and elsewhere.

“The suggestion that the reach of the scheme will be wider than the county it operates in is deliberate - as it is quite likely that other jurisdictions will draw inspiration from this exciting development.”

Professor David Parratt QC, convenor of Faculty of Advocates Arbitration, said: “Providing this new service positions the Faculty, and by extension Scotland, as a centre of international excellence in arbitration. It is extremely encouraging that it has already received the endorsement of such distinguished and experienced legal figures in other countries and jurisdictions.

“Members of Faculty have invested heavily in making themselves knowledgeable and qualified in arbitration practice and procedure, and are ready to participate in the service both as counsel and, importantly, as arbitrators. The combination of these members’ skills and this Faculty innovation promises new approaches to resolving personal injury claims.”

Full details and information about booking attendance at the conference can be accessed here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arbitration-in-scotland-conference-2017-tickets-36508819863