"The Price of Justice: Rethinking Costs in Arbitration" - Are arbitration costs out of control? Exploring allocation, discipline, and best practices.

Presentation

Join us at VIAC’s event in collaboration with ArbAUT during the 2025 Paris Arbitration Week. This dynamic panel will bring together leading practitioners and arbitrators to explore the evolving landscape of cost decisions in arbitration. Panelists will unpack key cost principles, debate potential reforms, and VIAC will introduce “Practice Note for Decision on Costs in Arbitral Awards”, a practice note aimed at promoting consistency in cost decisions.

For arbitrators and counsel, the panel will explore practical challenges and strategic considerations in managing costs in arbitration. Discussions will cover key topics, including cost allocation and the discretion of arbitrators, as well as strategic approaches for counsel. The panel will also provide practical tips on effective cost management, examine evolving standards and best practices for security for costs, and address when arbitrators should penalise party misconduct. Additionally, it will consider the recoverability of costs and the essential elements of writing clear and well-reasoned cost decisions.