Pham Duy Nghia - Business Law & Arbitration

Arbitration can be very simple, but it can also be a voyage to nowhere in the middle of the sea. From the departure to destination, the Tribunal as collective is expected to steer the board. It shall make decisions, either procedural or on merits, by deliberation. But how tribunal deliberations work, particularly in cross-cultural arbitration? That is certainly a mysterious black-box, because tribunal deliberations are case specific (it depends on the nature of the disputes), tribunal specific (it depends on the composition of the tribunal, the background and profile, and mentality of the presiding arbitrator and its fellows), and the like. But there are some best practice for efficient deliberations: Not consensus, but collegiality is important: each arbitrator shall actively be involved. Not focusing on the destination, enjoying the voyage: the facts, the issues, the rational behind the disputes are important. Not merely the award, an efficient case management, fairness and due

The disputing parties often cannot agree on document request, the way, and sequence of written submissions. A party may insist that submissions must be made upfront, including all claims, legal ground, and evidence. By contrast, some other may prefer that evidence being developed further due the course of the proceedings. It appears also to be difficult for the Tribunal if one party attempts to "fishing expedition", seeking tribunal' order to rule the counterparty to produce certain documents. As matter of law, parties in an arbitration at VIAC can submit evidence up to any point prior to the final hearing. According to § 25.4 VIAC Rules, § 19.1 VIAC rule, there is no clear rule which restricts the parties right to submit evidence up to certain point during the proceedings. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the tribunal has not the right to restrict arbitrary the parties’ right to submit further evidence at any point of proceedings until the final hearing.  On