In the past, arbitration was often associated with lawyers and retired judges, yet an increasing number of arbitrators today come from non-legal backgrounds. Engineers, economists, accountants, and industry specialists are now appointed to tribunals because they offer practical insight into the technical and commercial realities underpinning many disputes. Their expertise can be invaluable where the facts are complex and industry-specific and where legal training alone may not suffice.

This development reflects arbitration’s core advantage—party autonomy. In sectors such as construction, shipping, security and finance, parties often prefer decision-makers who understand the operational context of their dealings. Non-lawyer arbitrators can thus strengthen confidence in the process by rendering decisions informed by industry knowledge rather than purely abstract legal reasoning.

While critics caution that some non-lawyers may lack procedural and enforcement expertise, such concerns are often mitigated by mixed tribunals or institutional rules. The growing acceptance of non-lawyer arbitrators demonstrates that arbitration is evolving beyond its traditional legal confines and embracing diversity of expertise to enhance the quality and relevance of awards.

Center for International Mediators and Arbitrators Digest@ 2025