Making Arbitration More Efficient:  Settlement Initiatives by the Arbitral Tribunal

Hilmar Raeschke-Kessler*

Hilmar Raeschke-Kessler provides a very informative and practical overview of the use of arbitral tribunals as an efficient and economical way to terminate an arbitration. This article considers the conflicting views on settlement initiatives by an arbitral tribunal, and how an arbitral tribunal should proceed with a settlement initiative while avoiding endangering its position of impartiality. Raeschke-Kessler concludes this analysis by providing a checklist of ‘dos and don’ts’ for arbitrators during settlement negotiations.

* Rechtsanwalt beim Bundesgerichtshof, Karlsruhe; Lecturer, International Arbitration, University of Cologne; Vice-Chair, Committee D (Arbitration and ADR), International Bar Association.  The author can be contacted by e-mail at rabghrk@t-online.de.