A Practical Guide to International Arbitration in London
14
AWARDS
Following the conclusion of the hearing the tribunal adjourns to deliberate. How long after the conclusion of hearing the tribunal will take to provide an award is not predictable. It depends upon the diligence and availability of the tribunal and the complexity of the case. It is a rule of thumb that an award from a three-person tribunal will take a little longer than one from a sole arbitrator, because of the need for communication between the three arbitrators. Some arbitration agreements provide for a strict time1 within which the award is to be delivered. The English court has a residual discretion to extend any such deadline if necessary.2