In recent years there has been a significant increase in the use of arbitration as a means of resolving high-value, international disputes.
Representing clients effectively in an arbitration is a skill which can be learned and practised. Winning in arbitration requires even more refined techniques. On this course, delegates learn specialist questioning skills such as direct and re-direct examination and cross-examination. They are also taught to present a complex case simply and persuasively. The course also examines the role of the expert witness in arbitration. David Foster, an experienced arbitration advocate and a partner at the London offices of international law firm O'Melveny and Myers has no doubt about the effectiveness of the advocacy training. “I was impressed by Peter Lyons' genuine enthusiasm for the subject, as well as the content of the courses he has arranged and taught. Everyone in our team, no matter how experienced, learnt a lot from them. The courses were very productive as a team building exercise, and everyone commented that they found them well suited to arbitration advocacy, as well as being very enjoyable.” Partner, O’Melveny and Myers LLP The CMS Arbitration Academy met in Vienna in April 2009 where it launched a superb publication, The CMS Guide to Arbitration. The book, edited by Torsten Lörcher and Zannis Mavrogordato, is a comprehensive and accessible guide to arbitration in Europe for business leaders. At the same time, CPD Training (UK) presented an intensive two-day training course on arbitration skills. Here is the reaction of some of the delegates who took the course. “I attended a cross-examination training of CPD. Peter Lyons and his team enabled me to develop my thoughts and skills into a field which was previously rather nebulous to me, being a trained civil lawyer: the art of witness (cross-) examination. The best possible examination of witnesses is key in many international arbitration procedures. Consequently, I am convinced that the training results in a direct benefit for our clients and our success in arbitral practice. Excellent!” Attorney at Law, CMS von Erlach Henrici AG, Zürich “I am amazed with CPD Training group. Peter Lyons’ teaching proficiency kept the attention of all the lawyers from the beginning to the end of the course, providing confidence to all the participants to improve their skills with direct participation. It is really incredible how training could be found so amusing and useful by lawyers from more than 8 countries around the world.” CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre Mercosur, Buenos Aires “I have done Examination Skills in International Arbitration training by CPD. I was particularly impressed by the level of teachers combining the insights of their professional careers with brilliant teaching skills. The diversity of both national and professional backgrounds (coaches were both from the private sector and the judiciary as well as from different parts of the globe) helped see the examination of a witness not from only the attorney's perspective, but also with the eyes of the arbitration panel. Experience and credentials of the trainers were amazing; however, their performances even exceeded my expectations. Definitely a thing to do for anyone who considers himself as an international arbitration professional firmly committed to constant professional development.” CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz, Ukraine 
Different arbitration bodies have their own procedural rules. Still, as with court proceedings, the need to persuade a decision maker remains.