The Rules of The Private Arbitration Court govern the arbitration process, providing a clear and effective framework for resolving disputes. These rules can be incorporated into contracts through tailored arbitration clauses, agreed upon by the parties in advance, or adopted at the suggestion of the arbitrator. The Private Arbitration Court ensures that its rules remain up-to-date and aligned with best practices in arbitration.

By including The Private Arbitration Court’s model arbitration clause in commercial contracts, parties gain confidence in a streamlined, transparent process for resolving disputes. This approach guarantees a clear pathway to arbitration, ensuring efficiency and professionalism.

Confidence in the process is underpinned by the high standards of The Private Arbitration Court’s arbitrators, who adhere to strict professional and ethical guidelines, ensuring impartiality, integrity, and excellence in every case.

Model Clause:

Any dispute or difference arising out of or in connection with this contract shall be determined by the appointment of a single arbitrator in accordance with the Rules of The Private Arbitration Court. If the parties cannot agree on the appointment of an arbitrator within fourteen days of one party giving written notice to the other to do so, the arbitrator shall be appointed by the Arbitration Manager of The Private Arbitration Court.

Download the Private Arbitration Court Rules 2025 First Edition

The download includes the Model Arbitration Notice and Payment Form / QR Codes.

Where our Rules are used, fees are fixed from £1,200 per party for documents-only arbitration or £6,000 per party if a hearing is required. This includes administrative costs and the arbitrator’s fees, with limited recoverable costs to ensure cost predictability.

Where you elect to Register a Claim but not use our Rules, the fees will need to be agreed by us and the Arbitrator.

Fees quoted are inclusive of VAT.

The service is suitable for most civil disputes that require a final, legally binding decision. It is ideal for business, commercial, and intellectual property matters where confidentiality are enforceability are crucial.

The process typically takes less than 90 days from the receipt of all necessary documents or the conclusion of a hearing. This timeline offers a faster alternative to traditional court proceedings.

Where our Rules are used, only the fixed arbitration fees can be recovered.

Legal costs, such as fees for representation, are not included in the recoverable amounts unless otherwise agreed by both parties.

If both parties agree on a specific arbitrator, that arbitrator will be appointed. If the parties cannot agree or prefer to leave the selection process to the Arbitration Manager, they will appoint an arbitrator from their panel within 10 days of receiving the Arbitration Notice. The selected arbitrator will then manage the case according to the rules.

It is up to the arbitrator to decide whether a hearing will take place. Both parties must pay the additional fee for the hearing if it is granted.

The decision, known as the Award, is final and binding. There is no appeal process within the arbitration rules, but parties may explore legal options outside of arbitration, such as an appeal to a court, under limited circumstances.

Yes, all arbitration proceedings are confidential, protecting sensitive information and reputational interests of the parties involved. The proceedings and the Award cannot be disclosed unless needed for enforcement.

If the dispute is settled after arbitration has begun, the parties must inform both the Arbitration Manager and the arbitrator. However, any payments made up to that point, including arbitrator fees, will not be refunded.

If you are a qualified experienced arbitrator and would like to apply to join the Private Arbitration Court Panel of Arbitrators, please email adr@huntadr.com to express interest.