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The Law Society Arbitration Scheme

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I am happy to announce the launch of the Law Society Arbitration Scheme ('LSAS') on 1 August 2007.

The LSAS was conceived by the Review & Infrastructure Sub-Committee which was tasked to examine whether the Law Society should take an active role in this area of practice. The Sub-Committee recognised the remarkable growth of alternative dispute resolution in the last 10 to 15 years and the demand for the expeditious resolution of less complex civil claims. There was potential for tapping this growing source of work, while at the same time serving public interest in having a practical and viable method of dispute resolution. The Sub-Committee made its recommendations to the Council, and after two years of work by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, the Society brought the scheme to fruition.

Special Features of the LSAS

The LSAS is a comprehensive arbitration scheme with its own set of rules, the LawSoc Arbitration Rules, a prescribed scale for arbitrators' fees, the LSAS Scale Fees, its own panel of arbitrators and a Code of Conduct for its arbitrators. The special features of the LSAS include:
1 Simple arbitration procedure to make the LSAS user-friendly;

2 Parties are free to agree on their own arbitrators and thereby maintain party autonomy;

3 Speedy resolution of disputes between parties. A quick resolution of disputes will save costs compared
to long drawn litigation; and

4 The provision of facilities for the conduct of the arbitration at competitive rates by the Law Society of
Singapore adds to the convenience of the LSAS.

The LSAS can be applied to all kinds of civil disputes, although the streamlined procedure is designed to expedite resolution of less complex claims. Besides general commercial disputes, the LSAS can be used to arbitrate disputes in the areas of employment, tenancy, renovation works, media, entertainment and travel amongst others.

Arbitration Clause

Parties who desire to arbitrate under the LSAS may insert into their contract an arbitration clause in the following terms:

Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Contract, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, shall be determined by arbitration in Singapore in accordance with the LawSoc Arbitration Rules in force at the commencement of the arbitration.

How You Can Play a Part in the LSAS

The Society hopes to set up a new platform for members of the Bar to participate in arbitration through the LSAS. There will be opportunities for members to act either as an arbitrator or as counsel under the LSAS. Plans are afoot to educate and train members in this fast growing area. Members may also attend LSAS arbitration hearings as understudies. The LSAS is one more pillar in the expanding arbitration infrastructure in Singapore and helps towards promoting Singapore as a centre for arbitration.

Where You Can Find More Information About ?the LSAS

To obtain a copy of the LSAS Handbook containing the LawSoc Arbitration Rules, the LSAS Scale Fees and Frequently Asked Questions, please contact the Law Society of Singapore as follows:

Practice Concerns Department
The Law Society of Singapore
39 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058673
Tel: +65 6530 0233
Fax: +65 6533 5700
E-mail: Practice_Concerns@lawsoc.org.sg

You may also refer to the Law Society website at
www.lawsociety.org.sg for more information about the LSAS.

I look forward to your support of the LSAS.

Chan Leng Sun
Chairman, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
The Law Society of Singapore