In a Mealey’s International Arbitration Report titled, “International Arbitration Experts Discuss The Withdrawal Of COVID-19 Restrictions,” litigation and arbitration partner Andrew Dominguez in Miami explained why he believes the procedural changes made to arbitration during the pandemic would be beneficial to maintain.
Dominguez was quoted: "So long as parties are agreeable, the procedural changes that allow for arbitrations to be conducted and concluded virtually should be maintained. These procedures, including presentation of witnesses and expert testimony by video, and holding the final hearing virtually, save time and money for the parties. Arbitration is considered to be a more efficient and timely conflict resolution process, however it’s not necessarily the most cost efficient when compared to regular court procedures. Adding the virtual elements that the COVID-19 Pandemic obligated us to implement will add even more value to the arbitration process. These procedures avoid the significant costs incurred in cross-border arbitrations that traditionally require international travel and accommodations for the tribunal, the parties, attorneys, and staff."
Dominguez went on to explain an additional benefit of virtual proceedings is that they allow for greater flexibility in scheduling. Virtual proceedings also open the doors of justice to a broader group of litigants that historically could not afford the costs of international arbitration.