To effectively advocate in an international arbitration, lawyers must produce effective and persuasive written communications. An arbitrator’s first impression of a case is based on written submissions, and when arbitrators are deciding on the outcome of a case, the written record is often more influential than the lawyers’ oral arguments. While oral advocacy is a key skill for any lawyer to develop, even a brilliant oral argument can be undermined by poor written filings. To avoid squandering time in oral arguments correcting written mistakes and clarifying misinterpretations, practitioners must develop and practice good writing habits. Below are ten key tips for effective written advocacy in international arbitration.

Originally published in The New York Law Journal - September 17, 2020.