Multi-contract and multi-party arbitration

Multi-party and multi-contract arbitration

This Practice Note discusses how multiple party (multi-party) disputes and disputes concerning multiple contracts (multi-contract) are dealt with in arbitration proceedings (including international arbitration). Such arbitrations are sometimes referred to as complex arbitrations. The Practice Note includes tips on drafting arbitration agreements in these circumstances and also on conducting multi-party arbitration. The Practice Note discusses how an arbitral tribunal (arbitrator(s)) may be appointed in multi-party arbitration, including how AA 1996 (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; under English law) and major institutional and ad-hoc arbitration rules (those of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)) deal with this issue. It also covers the issue of joinder of third parties and the consolidation of arbitration proceedings, and AA 1996 and institutional approaches to these mechanisms. For more detail, see Practice Note: Multi-party and multi-contract arbitration—an introduction.

A quick guide to the arbitration process

This Practice Note provides a quick guide to the main

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Arbitration News

ICC publishes report highlighting arbitration trends in Latin American and Iberian countries

The ICC has published a report examining the evolving arbitration landscape across Latin American and Iberian countries (Ibero-America), highlighting both progressive reforms and emerging regulatory challenges. As the region continues to navigate constitutional, legislative, and international pressures, the role of local arbitration communities becomes increasingly vital. Gustavo Moser and Jennifer Puntis from LexisNexis Arbitration UK have approached contributors to the ICC report, Dyalá Jiménez, arbitrator based in San José, Costa Rica, and Orlando F. Cabrera C. of Hogan Lovells Mexico City. They are called upon to highlight key trends and challenges impacting arbitration in Ibero-America, as well as to suggest strategies to enhance arbitration practices throughout the region.

Who determines and who bears the costs of a successful challenge to an arbitrator’s jurisdiction? (Ravfox Ltd v Bexmoor Ltd)

Arbitration analysis: The court held that, contrary to the tribunal’s decision, an arbitral tribunal which decides it lacks substantive jurisdiction has power to make an award allocating the costs of the challenge between the parties. It is important that the successful party does seek costs from the tribunal, because the court also held that the court does not have jurisdiction under section 63(4) of the Arbitration Act 1996 (AA 1996) to determine which party should bear the costs of a successful jurisdiction challenge before an arbitrator. The claimant failed to obtain any redress against the tribunal’s decision that he did not have jurisdiction to award costs because its applications under AA 1996, ss 68 and 69 were unsuccessful. Written by Jennifer Haywood, arbitrator, mediator and barrister at Serle Court.

AIAC announces dates and registration details for Asia ADR Week 2025

The Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) has announced that Asia ADR Week 2025 will take place from 7–11 October 2025 at the AIAC Auditorium, with early bird rates available until 20 September 2025.

Ciarb publishes new guidelines on third-party funding in arbitration

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has published comprehensive guidelines on third-party funding (TPF) in arbitration. The guidelines provide detailed frameworks for TPF arrangements, covering funding processes, disclosure requirements, conflicts of interest, security for costs applications and costs recovery. The document aims to assist arbitration practitioners in understanding both commercial aspects of funding arrangements and procedural considerations when handling funded arbitrations. The guidelines address recent developments in TPF practice while providing practical direction for parties, counsel and tribunals.