Understanding Arbitration for Non-Legal Professionals

About the Course

Arbitration has become the preferred method of resolving commercial disputes across many industries, driven by the need for confidentiality, procedural flexibility, and enforceability of outcomes across borders. For organisations operating in complex contractual environments, disputes are no longer handled solely by legal departments; they increasingly require the involvement of commercial, project, procurement, and finance professionals who must understand how arbitration affects business operations, cost exposure, and contractual relationships. It is designed to bridge the knowledge gap for non-legal professionals by explaining arbitration from a practical and commercial perspective, rather than a purely legal one. Delegates will gain a structured understanding of how arbitration functions within modern contracts and how it influences decision-making, risk allocation, and dispute outcomes in real business contexts.

This 5-day Understanding Arbitration for Non-Legal Professionals training course  focuses on building informed confidence when dealing with disputes and arbitration-related processes. It equips delegates to recognise contractual risks, communicate effectively with legal advisers, and contribute meaningfully to dispute strategy and resolution without requiring formal legal training. Emphasis is placed on understanding how arbitration impacts timelines, financial planning, business continuity, and organisational reputation. Upon completion, delegates will be better prepared to manage their roles within dispute situations, support sound contractual practices, and align dispute management with corporate objectives. It is suitable for professionals who already work with contracts or commercial decisions and seek a deeper, practical understanding of arbitration as a business tool rather than as a purely legal procedure.

Core Objectives

By the end of the training course, delegates will be able to:

• Explain the role of arbitration within commercial contracts and business dispute resolution frameworks
• Differentiate between arbitration and litigation in terms of process, risk, cost, and business impact
• Interpret arbitration clauses and assess their implications for contractual and operational risk
• Apply structured approaches to managing arbitration procedures and related business responsibilities
• Analyse the commercial and financial consequences of arbitral awards and enforcement outcomes
• Evaluate dispute management strategies in relation to corporate governance and risk control
• Incorporate arbitration awareness into contract management and organisational decision-making practices

Training Approach

The training course will be delivered through structured instructor-led sessions supported by guided discussions and practical exercises designed to reinforce learning and encourage delegates' engagement. Emphasis will be placed on real-world business scenarios to help them translate arbitration concepts into practical application within their professional roles.

The Attendees

This training course is designed for non-legal professionals who are directly involved in contracts, commercial decisions, and dispute-related processes and require a practical understanding of arbitration to support effective business and risk management.

It will be valuable to the professionals, but not limited to the following:

• Contract Managers
• Contract Administrators
• Commercial Managers
• Business Development Managers
• Project Managers
• Project Controls Professionals
• Procurement and Supply Chain Managers
• Compliance and Corporate Governance Officers
• Operations Managers and Department Heads
• Professionals involved in Dispute Management or Contract Negotiation

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: COMMERCIAL CONTEXT OF ARBITRATION

• Role of Arbitration in Commercial Disputes
• Arbitration vs Litigation from a Business View
• Strategic Use of Arbitration in Contracts
• Domestic and International Arbitration Frameworks
• Seat, Jurisdiction, and Legal Effect
• Institutional and Ad Hoc Arbitration
• Business Impact of Arbitration Outcomes

DAY TWO: ARBITRATION CLAUSES AND CONTRACT RISK

• Function of Arbitration Clauses
• Elements of Valid Arbitration Agreements
• Drafting Risks and Common Errors
• Multi-tier Dispute Resolution Clauses
• Governing Law and Procedural Law
• Choice of Arbitral Institutions and Rules
• Contract Risk Alignment and Governance

DAY THREE: ARBITRATION PROCEDURE AND PARTY ROLES

• Commencement of Arbitration Proceedings
• Appointment and Role of Arbitrators
• Procedural Timetable and Case Management
• Statements of Claim and Defence
• Evidence and Document Production
• Witnesses and Expert Evidence
• Cost Control and Budgeting

DAY FOUR: AWARDS, ENFORCEMENT, AND CHALLENGES

• Tribunal Authority and Decision-making
• Types and Structure of Arbitral Awards
• Legal and Commercial Effect of Awards
• Recognition and Enforcement Mechanisms
• Grounds for Challenge or Annulment
• Court Involvement in Arbitration
• Post-award Compliance

DAY FIVE: ARBITRATION STRATEGY FOR BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS

• Arbitration as a Risk Management Tool
• Dispute Strategy and Escalation Decisions
• Managing Legal Counsel and Costs
• Settlement and Negotiation in Arbitration
• Business–Legal Coordination
• Governance and Internal Reporting
• Dispute Prevention through Contract Control

Certificate Awarded

Upon successful completion of this training course, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from XCalibre Training Centre, acknowledging their accomplishment. This certificate serves as a testament to their dedication to developing their skills and advancing their expertise in their respective fields.