AI and Arbitration: A Deep-Dive into the Future of Dispute Resolution

Artificial intelligence is transforming how arbitration is conducted, managed, and understood. From predictive analytics and document automation to ethical frameworks and institutional guidelines, the arbitration community is entering a new era of technology-driven practice.

This guide explores how AI is influencing every aspect of dispute resolution — the benefits, the challenges, and what lies ahead.

Explore ArbTech’s insights, case studies, and expert Q&As to stay at the forefront of AI and arbitration.

We work with leading institutions, publications, and conferences to advance dialogue on AI and arbitration.

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We work with leading institutions, publications, and conferences to advance dialogue on AI and arbitration. 〰️

Practical Applications of AI in Arbitration

  • Case Management

    AI-powered dashboards can automatically track procedural deadlines, suggest timelines based on past cases, and generate summaries. This gives institutions and tribunals better visibility and control over multiple active cases.

  • Document Review and Evidence Analysis

    Machine learning models help sift through millions of documents to identify relevant materials, reduce duplication, and detect inconsistencies. This is particularly useful in complex, data-heavy disputes or when e-discovery spans multiple jurisdictions.

  • Research and Drafting

    Generative AI and natural language models assist in producing draft procedural orders, summarising submissions, or finding relevant case law. These systems can help counsel and arbitrators focus more on substance than on repetitive tasks.

  • Predictive Analytics

    AI-driven analytics tools can identify trends in arbitrator appointments, procedural durations, and case outcomes, offering strategic insights for counsel and institutions.

Arbitrator Selection and Due Diligence

AI is increasingly used to support arbitrator selection and due diligence, an area traditionally reliant on professional networks and anecdotal experience. Data-driven legal databases such as Jus Mundi, Kluwer Arbitration, and Global Arbitration Review (GAR) analyse large volumes of awards, procedural data, and publications to help identify patterns in arbitrators’ past appointments, reasoning styles, and case management approaches.

These tools can improve transparency and efficiency in the appointment process, particularly in complex or specialised disputes. However, they are designed to inform — not replace — human judgment, and should be used with awareness of potential data gaps, bias, and the limits of algorithmic profiling.

Interested in learning more? Read this article by Sophie Nappert.

Understanding AI in Arbitration

Artificial intelligence is no longer an abstract concept in dispute resolution. It already underpins many of the digital tools that arbitrators, counsel, and institutions rely on daily in their practice of arbitration.

In arbitration, AI is most often used to streamline document-heavy processes such as case management, document review, and research. Beyond that, it can provide predictive insights — for example, selecting arbitrators, forecasting timelines, estimating outcomes, or analysing recurring procedural patterns.

AI in arbitration generally falls into two categories:

● AI-assisted tools, which support human decision-making (e.g., smart search, drafting aids, transcription analysis).

● AI-driven systems, where algorithms autonomously process data to generate insights or recommendations.

The former are increasingly accepted as practical aids. The latter raise deeper questions about autonomy, accountability, and trust — issues at the heart of ongoing ethical and regulatory discussions.

Read more: How Arbitral Institutions and International Organisations Are Paving the Way to New Technologies

Dive Deeper

In this post, we explore the most important AI in arbitration trends for 2025. These developments reflect not only new technologies, but also shifting expectations around speed, cost-efficiency, trust, and transparency in international dispute resolu

In this post, we explore the most important AI in arbitration trends for 2025. These developments reflect not only new technologies, but also shifting expectations around speed, cost-efficiency, trust, and transparency in international dispute resolution.

As AI becomes woven into the fabric of legal practice, international arbitration must shift focus from if to how we adopt it—and crucially, under what framework. Enter Constitutional AI. This methodology, popularized by researchers including those

As AI becomes woven into the fabric of legal practice, international arbitration must shift focus from if to how we adopt it—and crucially, under what framework. Enter Constitutional AI. This methodology, popularized by researchers including those at Anthropic, embeds ethical and governance principles—like fairness, transparency, and human oversight—directly into AI systems. For arbitration, which hinges on confidentiality, impartiality, and party autonomy, Constitutional AI offers a path to responsibly integrate powerful tools without undermining core values.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various sectors, and arbitration is no exception. AI tools are now being integrated into many aspects of arbitration, from document review to arbitrator selection, significantly improving efficiency. Ho

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various sectors, and arbitration is no exception. AI tools are now being integrated into many aspects of arbitration, from document review to arbitrator selection, significantly improving efficiency. However, its use also raises important ethical, legal, and procedural questions that arbitration professionals need to be aware of. This guide will help you understand the role AI plays in arbitration, the challenges it introduces, and the future outlook, providing you with the insights needed to navigate this evolving landscape.

The article "Arbitration Tech Toolbox: Is Generative AI Now the Biggest Threat to Remote Hearings?" by Sean McCarthy, published on the Kluwer Arbitration Blog, delves into the emergent risks associated with generative AI technologies in the context o

The article "Arbitration Tech Toolbox: Is Generative AI Now the Biggest Threat to Remote Hearings?" by Sean McCarthy, published on the Kluwer Arbitration Blog, delves into the emergent risks associated with generative AI technologies in the context of remote arbitration. McCarthy highlights the rise of deepfake video AI technologies, such as HeyGen's 'Instant Avatars', which create lifelike avatars from short video recordings. These technologies pose significant practical and conceptual challenges, particularly concerning the authenticity of witness testimonies in arbitration proceedings conducted remotely.

In a remarkable demonstration of AI capabilities, this podcast, hosted by André Guskow, explores the future of digital government, public procurement, and contracting in Brazil. This AI-powered episode showcases how modern technologies, such as artif

In a remarkable demonstration of AI capabilities, this podcast, hosted by André Guskow, explores the future of digital government, public procurement, and contracting in Brazil. This AI-powered episode showcases how modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and smart contracts, are reshaping public procurement and governance.

Ethical and Governance Challenges

As AI becomes more embedded in arbitration, ethical governance becomes essential.

The key challenge is maintaining human judgment and procedural fairness in an environment increasingly mediated by technology. Concerns include:

  • Bias and transparency: Algorithms trained on limited datasets may reinforce existing inequities.

  • Confidentiality: Sensitive case data must be protected when using external AI tools.

  • Accountability: Determining who is responsible when an AI-generated insight proves wrong or misleading.

Arbitral institutions and professional bodies are responding with frameworks to guide responsible adoption. For instance, the SCC Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence in Arbitration (2024), VIAC Note on the Use of AI in Arbitration Proceedings (2025) (co-drafted by ArbTech’s own Mihaela Apostol and Sean McCarthy), and the AAA-ICDR Principles Supporting the Use of AI in ADR (2023) all emphasise transparency, human oversight, and ethical data management.

Learn more: AI and the Law: A Discussion Paper

Institutional Initiatives and Global Standards

International institutions are taking active steps to align arbitration practice with emerging AI norms.

These initiatives are helping define a global baseline for AI use in arbitration — one that balances innovation with fairness and accountability.

  • At the regulatory level, the European Union AI Act represents the most comprehensive attempt to govern the use of artificial intelligence across sectors, including law and dispute resolution. Under the Act, AI systems used to apply the law to the facts in judicial and arbitral contexts are classified as high-risk, triggering enhanced obligations relating to transparency, human oversight, data governance, and accountability.

    Recent developments indicate that the European Commission is considering easing or phasing certain compliance requirements, particularly to avoid stifling innovation and to reduce administrative burdens for users of AI systems. While the core risk-based framework of the AI Act remains intact, these discussions highlight a regulatory effort to strike a balance between legal certainty, trust, and technological progress.

    For arbitration practitioners and institutions operating within or connected to the EU, the AI Act underscores the importance of documenting AI use, maintaining explainability of outputs, and ensuring that human judgment remains central to decision-making processes — even as AI tools become more prevalent in procedural and analytical tasks.

  • The Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC) introduced its AI Guide to help users understand the opportunities and risks of adopting AI.

  • CIArb released its Framework Guideline on the Use of Technology in International Arbitration (2021), encouraging responsible innovation.

  • UNCITRAL and LawtechUK have issued model clauses and expedited rules for technology disputes, recognising the growing intersection between law and digital infrastructure.

  • WIPO and ICC are also examining the implications of AI for dispute resolution, particularly regarding transparency, efficiency, and enforceability.

Case Studies and Research Insights

Theoretical discussions about AI’s potential in arbitration are increasingly supported by data-driven research.

One notable example is the 2025 International Arbitration Survey, led by Queen Mary University of London and White & Case, which explored how practitioners view AI’s role in arbitration. The findings show cautious optimism — while many practitioners embrace efficiency gains, they also emphasise the irreplaceable role of human judgment.

Similarly, institutions like the Silicon Valley Arbitration & Mediation Center (SVAMC) are publishing studies on AI ethics, bias detection, and explainability, contributing to the formation of shared standards across the field.

These studies not only track adoption trends but also reveal how practitioners are adapting workflows to incorporate technology responsibly.

Looking Ahead — The Future of AI and Arbitration

The next decade will likely redefine how arbitration operates. AI is expected to move from experimental use to embedded infrastructure — quietly shaping how cases are filed, managed, and decided.

Key trends to watch include:

  • Specialised AI models for legal research and drafting, trained on curated arbitration data rather than general internet sources.

  • Predictive case management systems integrating cost and time forecasting.

  • AI regulation under frameworks like the EU AI Act, which will directly affect how legal professionals use algorithmic tools.

  • Ethical audits and certification schemes, where law firms and institutions demonstrate responsible AI practices.

At ArbTech, we believe the focus must remain on ethical adoption. Technology should enhance arbitration, not overshadow its human core of fairness, reasoning, and judgment.

Explore more: How AI is Actually Used in Arbitration Today

Frequently Asked Questions About AI in Arbitration

  • AI supports document review, research, scheduling, and communication — making proceedings more efficient while keeping final decisions human-led.

  • Bias, confidentiality, and accountability are central concerns. Ensuring transparency and oversight is critical to preserving trust in outcomes.

  • Not in the foreseeable future. AI can assist with analysis, but judgment and contextual reasoning remain uniquely human responsibilities.

  • Guidelines have been issued by CIArb, SCC, AAA/ICDR, and UNCITRAL, all promoting ethical, transparent, and human-supervised AI adoption.

  • Follow ArbTech’s AI & Arbitration Resource Hub, subscribe to institutional newsletters, and review emerging reports from WIPO, ICC, and academic centres.

Continue Exploring

In this post, we explore the most important AI in arbitration trends for 2025. These developments reflect not only new technologies, but also shifting expectations around speed, cost-efficiency, trust, and transparency in international dispute resolu

In this post, we explore the most important AI in arbitration trends for 2025. These developments reflect not only new technologies, but also shifting expectations around speed, cost-efficiency, trust, and transparency in international dispute resolution.

As AI becomes woven into the fabric of legal practice, international arbitration must shift focus from if to how we adopt it—and crucially, under what framework. Enter Constitutional AI. This methodology, popularized by researchers including those

As AI becomes woven into the fabric of legal practice, international arbitration must shift focus from if to how we adopt it—and crucially, under what framework. Enter Constitutional AI. This methodology, popularized by researchers including those at Anthropic, embeds ethical and governance principles—like fairness, transparency, and human oversight—directly into AI systems. For arbitration, which hinges on confidentiality, impartiality, and party autonomy, Constitutional AI offers a path to responsibly integrate powerful tools without undermining core values.

Explore how arbitral institutions and international organisations are embracing technology to revolutionise case management and dispute resolution processes. This page highlights cutting-edge initiatives and resources aimed at streamlining arbitratio

Explore how arbitral institutions and international organisations are embracing technology to revolutionise case management and dispute resolution processes. This page highlights cutting-edge initiatives and resources aimed at streamlining arbitration, from innovative submission systems to tailored guidelines and specialized rules for tech-related disputes.

Held on 10 June 2025 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the AAA–ICDR’s Future Dispute Resolution Conference brought together global experts in arbitration, mediation, and legal tech. The event explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI)* and emerging te

Held on 10 June 2025 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the AAA–ICDR’s Future Dispute Resolution Conference brought together global experts in arbitration, mediation, and legal tech. The event explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI)* and emerging technologies are transforming international dispute resolution. Across five sessions, speakers discussed new tools, ethical frameworks, and evolving practices that are reshaping how disputes are handled.

Smart contracts are rapidly shaping the future of blockchain and digital assets — and with them comes a wave of new disputes, questions, and opportunities for arbitration. Sean McCarthy, co-editor of Transforming Arbitration: Exploring the Impact of

Smart contracts are rapidly shaping the future of blockchain and digital assets — and with them comes a wave of new disputes, questions, and opportunities for arbitration. Sean McCarthy, co-editor of Transforming Arbitration: Exploring the Impact of AI, Blockchain, Metaverse and Web3 and co-founder of ArbTech, gives his insights on what practitioners need to know.