A faster path to dispute resolution — built around dialogue
Workshop Arbitration is an alternative to traditional expedited proceedings. By centering the process on a structured verbal workshop rather than written pleadings alone, it accelerates understanding, raises settlement chances, and delivers a binding award on a tight timeline.
What makes it different
Traditional expedited
Debate conducted primarily in writing
No direct dialogue between parties
Settlement typically hard to facilitate
Arbitrator interprets the case on personal understanding with limited interaction
Workshop Arbitration
Structured verbal workshop at the centre of the process
Direct Q&A between arbitrator, parties and witnesses
Active, incentivised settlement opportunity
Arbitrator builds quick and deep understanding through live discussion
Process at a glance
i–iii
Initiation & scheduling
Standard initiation up to file transmission; experienced arbitrator appointed; workshop dates blocked early
iv
Summary statements
Each party submits within 3 weeks, with all relevant documents and short witness statements
v–vi
Pre-workshop CMC
Parties and arbitrator align on workshop format; additional evidence ordered if needed
vii
Workshop (up to 5 days)
Arbitrator leads a structured discussion; genuine settlement opportunity or deliberation toward an award
viii
Summary award
Concise award of no more than 20 pages issued within 3 weeks of the workshop
Key advantages
01
Speed
As fast as or faster than conventional expedited arbitration proceedings
02
Understanding
Direct dialogue gives the arbitrator a deeper and quicker grasp of the case
03
Settlement
Considerably higher settlement likelihood as the solution will become evident during the workshop discussion
04
Finality
A concise, binding award delivered within weeks of the workshop if no settlement is found
Explore further
The Concept
Full explanation of the workshop model and its rationale
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How It Works
All procedural steps explained in detail
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Timetable
4.5 months from file transmission to issued award
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Advantages & Risks
Balanced assessment of benefits and challenges
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About
Dr. Simon Gabriel and Gabriel Arbitration AG
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The Concept
The workshop as the core of the process
Workshop Arbitration is designed as an alternative to traditional expedited proceedings. It is comparably quick but places emphasis on direct verbal exchange rather than written debate alone.
The workshop-session is the core element. The verbal debate allows getting to the core of the dispute quickly and opens the opportunity for a settlement when the solution becomes evident in the presence of all participants.
Two possible outcomes
Outcome 1
Settlement
Both parties may reach a point in the discussion where the likely result becomes clear and a settlement is found. Alternative solutions may also emerge. The arbitrator may introduce settlement slots if both parties expressly wish so. Any settlement can be recorded as a consent award.
Outcome 2
Award
If no settlement is reached, the discussion continues until the arbitrator has sufficient basis to decide. Parties are invited to make verbal closing statements and submit cost statements.
How It Works
Nine steps to resolution
A structured process designed for speed, depth of understanding, and genuine settlement opportunity.
i
Initiation of proceedings
Traditional initiation of proceedings up to transmission of the file, with the option to opt out if the case is not suitable for this procedure.
ii
Arbitrator profile
The arbitrator should have more-than-average experience as sole arbitrator or president. Mediation experience is an advantage.
iii
Scheduling
The arbitrator blocks dates for the workshop and a pre-workshop CMC in consultation with the parties.
iv
Summary statements
Exchange of summary statements by the parties within 3 weeks each as from the transmission of the file. Accompanied by all relevant documents and short witness statements by persons who will attend the workshop.
v
Pre-workshop CMC
The parties and the arbitrator discuss the format of the workshop and whether further evidence will be required. The arbitrator decides whether further evidence shall be submitted before the workshop.
vi
Additional evidence
Potential additional submission of evidence and skeleton arguments, if so ordered.
vii
Workshop (up to 5 days)
The parties and the arbitrator meet in person. The parties first summarise their respective positions. The arbitrator then leads a discussion — mainly by asking questions — on the cases and factually and legally relevant issues.
viii
Summary award
The arbitrator drafts a summary award of no more than 20 pages within 3 weeks of the workshop.
ix
Arbitrator's fee
The arbitrator's fee is not reduced if a settlement is reached, ensuring the arbitrator remains fully engaged throughout the workshop.
Timetable
From file transmission to award in 4.5 months
The following is an illustrative example timetable showing the full process from initiation to the issuing of the award.
Date
Who
Step
1 January
Arbitrator
Transmission of file to arbitrator
10 January
All
Blocking of dates for the workshop and pre-workshop CMC
22 January
Claimant
Summary statement of claim with evidence
12 February
Respondent
Summary statement of defence with evidence
22 February
All
Pre-workshop CMC
5 March
Parties
Skeleton arguments and additional evidence (if ordered)
18–21 March
All
Workshop — including verbal opening and closing statements
12 April
Arbitrator
Summary award or consent award
3 May
Review period
17 May
Issuing of award
Advantages & Risks
An honest assessment
Workshop Arbitration offers significant advantages over traditional expedited proceedings, alongside challenges that require careful management.
Advantages
+It is as quick — if not quicker — than expedited proceedings.
+The emphasis on personal discussion facilitates a better understanding of the case by the arbitrator.
+The parties have more influence on the proper understanding of the case, as they can see from the questions whether the case is well understood.
+The settlement chance is considerably higher than in proceedings that merely focus on written debate, and is incentivised for counsel and the arbitrator: the arbitrator's fee is not reduced, and counsel do not lose fees as there is no post-workshop stage.
+There is a chance to find alternative solutions during the workshop discussions.
Risks & Challenges
—Bad-faith parties may find ways to complicate a fruitful discussion during the workshop.
—Taking of evidence and legal discussions must be distinguished and well managed during the workshop.
"The advantages are sufficiently strong to offer Workshop Arbitration as an additional option to parties in dispute. It is specifically recommended for sophisticated parties who need a quick solution of a dispute and want to keep the relationship reasonably friendly."
About
About the author
Dr. Simon Gabriel LL.M.
Swiss Attorney at Law · Gabriel Arbitration AG
Dr. Simon Gabriel is a Swiss Attorney at Law and founder of Gabriel Arbitration AG, based in Zurich.