Virtual Arbitration Hearings: the New Normal?

Abstract

This paper addresses the notion and legal framework for virtual hearings in international arbitration. The authors first examine the existing laws in different jurisdictions and how they tackle the issue both when it comes to litigation and when it comes to arbitration, followed by analyses of various institutional arbitration rules, including recent changes thereof and pertinent case law on the matter. They further examine the general idea of a virtual setting for the hearing against legal and technical objections frequently encountered in practice. In particular, the interplay of technical capabilities and legal standards such as “due process” and the “right to present one’s case” is assessed. Finally, the authors identify possible pathways to replacing the classical in-person hearing with the virtual one and the key legal and practical considerations to be assessed before deciding to proceed with it.