Arbitrating in Dublin offers a familiar legal framework in the form of the UNCITRAL Model Law (2006 version) on International Commercial Arbitration, a pool of experienced arbitrators and lawyers, top-class facilities, and all the conveniences one would expect of a modern, cosmopolitan city.

The UK’s decision to leave the EU, and the single market, will cause some parties to international contracts to consider a different choice of law and/or submission to jurisdiction clause. Ireland is the only member of the European Union that operates a court system that is both English speaking and based on the common law.  There is considerable uncertainty as to whether the judgments of English Courts will be easily enforceable in the EU.

Dublin is easily accessible from Europe and North America, with numerous direct daily flights with short flying times (London one hour, Paris 80 minutes, New York six hours). The city offers excellent hearing facilities, supported by highly developed telecommunications, broadband and audiovisual services, all available at competitive rates. Necessary support services are also available, such as experienced legal stenographers and simultaneous translation.

Those who choose Dublin as the venue for their arbitration can rely upon the familiar applicable law, the UNCITRAL Model Law, and the requisite court facilitation of arbitration which the Model Law requires. Parties, their advisers and their arbitrators therefore have the assurance and security of the highest standard recognisable in arbitration law. Ireland is also a New York Convention signatory, and parties can be assured that international arbitral awards are therefore directly enforceable and awards rendered in Dublin have reciprocal recognition and enforcement in other states.

The Irish courts are experienced and efficient in taking measures supportive of arbitration in Ireland. These measures include: (i) mandatory stays on court proceedings where an arbitration clause is not null and void, inoperative and incapable of being performed; and, (ii) limited grounds for setting aside or refusing to enforce an award.

Dublin also offers expertise and facilities for parties who wish to avail of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), as part of or separate to their arbitration.