Rules for listing
- Self-signup
Arbiters signup at arbstore.org by following the links on the website, verifying their real name online, sharing their attested (verified) real name with the ArbStore, and filling their contact and professional information on the website. This information must include email address, a link to the arbiter’s LinkedIn profile, a description of professional experience, areas of expertise and qualification the arbiter is willing to resolve disputes in, as well as the arbiter’s fees and timeframes for resolving disputes in the said areas.
- Post-moderation
Newly registered arbiters immediately appear on the list of arbiters at arbstore.org (sorted to the bottom of the list), however ArbStore may review the new arbiters and delist them if they don’t meet ArbStore’s requirements, or reach out to the new arbiter and request additional information or suggest improvements to the arbiter profile.
- Background Check
ArbStore may conduct a thorough background check to verify the information provided by the arbiters.
- Interview Process
ArbStore may also hold interviews to assess the arbiter’s interpersonal and communication skills, impartiality, and understanding of the arbitration process.
Requirements
- Qualifications
Arbiters should have a relevant educational and professional/technical background. This typically involves a degree in law or a related field and some technical expertise (as described in Arbiters Guide)
- Experience
It is essential that arbiters have experience in dispute resolution, whether it's mediation, negotiation or arbitration. This ensures that they have a practical understanding of the process.
- Expertise
Arbiters should have experience in all the subject-matter areas they indicated in their profile on ArbStore’s website.
- Impartiality and Independence
Arbiters must be impartial and independent.
- Language Proficiency
Proficiency in the relevant language(s) in which the arbiter proposes to operate is necessary to ensure that the arbiters can understand and communicate effectively during the process.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Arbiters should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should be capable of facilitating discussions, managing conflicts, and finding resolutions.
- Technical Competence
Given the online nature of the service, arbiters should be comfortable with technology. They should know how to use online communication tools, understand the importance of digital security, and handle potential technical issues that might occur during online sessions.
- Integrity and Ethics
Arbiters should uphold high standards of integrity and adhere to ArbStore Terms & Conditions.
Arbiters’ obligations
- Alignment with Privacy Policy
Arbiters should adhere to ArbStore’s privacy policy.
- Confidentiality
Arbiters should understand the need for confidentiality in the arbitration process and be able to protect confidential information shared during the process. This includes ensuring secure communications and respecting the privacy of the parties involved.
- Fee Determination
Arbiters are required to indicate their fees as part of their profile. Arbiters will be paid by the parties, via ArbStore, once the dispute is resolved. Arbiters are free to define and change their fees at any time (although not after they have been selected by the parties for a specific dispute, in connection with that dispute)
Onboarding and Permanence
- Arbiter Onboarding
Before signing up, arbiters should undergo a comprehensive onboarding process that covers the service's privacy policy, confidentiality rules, fee determination, use of technology, and other relevant operational guidelines.
- Continuing Education
Once listed, arbiters may be required to participate in continuing education to stay updated with the latest developments in law and dispute resolution and/or attend ArbStore’s dedicated webinars.
- Periodic Review
The performance of arbiters should be periodically reviewed by ArbStore to ensure that they maintain high standards of service. ArbStore shall be able to remove arbiters at any time.