COMMENT FOR THE DAY #60  – EPISODE 3

ARBITRATION AND ADVOCACY

You have been appointed to represent a party in an arbitration. There is to be an oral hearing. There are documents + zoom calls + witness statements + legal issues. It is a big undertaking. In the midst of preparation – some advice. Keep cool. Keep a clear head. Stay objective. Understand what is happening. And do your timesheet.

Record the time you are putting in and do it on a daily basis – not weekly or monthly or not at all. You have to be fair to yourself + you have to be fair to the client. And the best-organised way of working is to pull up the timesheet – make the entry for the work heading + the time taken – eg Expert’s Reports 2hrs.30m

With costs you have to be fair + reasonable – not every minute nor, sometimes every hour. If you have lost the narrative and are re-reading is that time you should be charging the client? Your reputation will suffer quickly if you over-charge. Best to discuss ongoing fees with the lawyer that instructs you. Avoid problems.