Are you considering entering the fast-growing field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)? From workplace conflicts to divorce proceedings to commercial contract battles, ADR is often used as an alternative to costly, time-consuming, highly stressful litigation.
Demand for qualified, talented mediators, facilitators, and arbitrators is the rise. Your first step toward a career in arbitration is a quality, introductory training program. A comprehensive arbitration certificate will give you a solid grounding in the principles and practices of arbitration, as well as hands-on experience hearing and deciding cases.
This is an excellent way to determine your suitability for the career and begin accumulating the course hours needed to apply for accreditation.
What exactly can you expect to learn from a typical three-to-four month certificate program? Here's a look at what's covered in class and what key skills you'll walk away with after introductory arbitration training.
1. How Arbitration Fits into the Alternative Dispute Resolution Model
A key goal of introductory arbitration training is to define the scope and purpose of arbitration and ensure students understand how this process fits into the broader context of alternative dispute resolution.
You can expect to study the history of arbitration, and how it differs from mediation, negotiation, facilitation, adjudication, and litigation. You will also explore the main advantages and disadvantages of arbitration compared to other dispute resolution models, and the kinds of cases you might take on as an arbitrator.
2. How to Put Arbitration Training into Practice Through Role Play
In order to earn a certificate in arbitration, students typically have to demonstrate their knowledge through role play; in other words, by participating in a mock arbitration hearing. Whether your training is delivered online or in a traditional classroom setting, you can expect to engage in several hours of role play at various stages of the course.
You will be asked to demonstrate your competency in several key areas of arbitration, including:
- Knowledge of arbitration rules and practices
- Communication skills
- Maintaining objectivity/neutrality
- Evaluating evidence and testimony
- Expertise in the matter under arbitration
- Formulating and presenting a decision or award
3. An Overview of Law Related to Arbitration
You don't need a legal background to take arbitration training, but you will need to understand the Canadian legal system, and arbitration legislation, to pursue a career in this field. You can expect your certificate to cover evidence law, tort law, and contract law—and how to apply those laws and principles to arbitration proceedings and settlements.
4. The Stages of Arbitration & How to Draft Related Documents
By the end of your training, you should have a solid grasp of every stage of arbitration. You should understand what takes place, and what is required, during an arbitration hearing—from the very first meeting to examinations and cross-examinations, consulting with experts, hearing witnesses, observing the presentation of evidence, and drafting a formal decision/award.
5. Your Ethical Obligations as an Arbitrator in Canada
It is crucial for arbitration students to understand their ethical obligations and the codes of conduct that govern arbitrators in Canada. Your instructor should walk you through the Code of Professional Conduct from the Canadian Bar Association and the Code of Ethics from ADR Canada. And you can expect to examine ethical and legal issues that pertain directly to the practice of arbitration, such as:
- Confidentiality
- Transparency and disclosure
- Conflicts of interest
- Credentialing of arbitrators in Canada
Quality, comprehensive arbitration training is your best first step toward becoming a Qualified or Chartered Arbitrator in Canada.
Interested in learning more about this career path? Ready to earn your certificate in arbitration?
Explore the arbitration certificate offered by Kompass Professional Development. Click below to browse a detailed list of online arbitration courses and learn more about our flexible online learning format. We're here to help!
