The Mediator’s Guide to Arbitration

Practical Frameworks for Structured, Fair, and Defensible Decision-Making

Arbitration is not simply mediation with authority.

It is a distinct professional role that requires structure, disciplined reasoning, procedural fairness, and the ability to make clear and defensible decisions. For mediators and dispute resolution professionals transitioning into arbitration, the shift can be significant. The focus is no longer on facilitating agreement — it is on assessing evidence, weighing credibility, applying authority, and issuing binding decisions.

The Mediator’s Guide to Arbitration was created to bridge the gap between theory and real-world arbitration practice. Rather than focusing solely on legislation or abstract principles, this book provides a practical framework for understanding what arbitrators actually do throughout the arbitration process.

From defining jurisdiction and managing hearings to evaluating evidence and writing structured awards, this book walks readers through the practical realities of arbitration step by step. Each chapter is designed to build confidence, improve consistency, and reinforce professional standards in a structured and understandable way.

Written in a practical, practitioner-focused style, this guide emphasizes disciplined process management, fairness, decision-making clarity, and defensible reasoning. Whether you are new to arbitration or refining your existing practice, this book provides a structured foundation for conducting arbitration professionally and effectively.

What You Will Learn

- The fundamental differences between mediation and arbitration

- How authority and jurisdiction are established in arbitration

- Practical approaches to hearing management and process design

- How to assess evidence, credibility, and reliability

- Structured decision-making using the Receive → Test → Compare → Conclude → Justify framework

- Techniques for maintaining procedural fairness and neutrality

- How to write clear, organized, and defensible arbitration awards

- Common pitfalls and professional risks faced by arbitrators

Who This Book Is For

- Mediators transitioning into arbitration practice

- New arbitrators seeking practical guidance

- Dispute resolution professionals expanding their skill set

- Practitioners seeking more structured arbitration processes

- Professionals interested in practical decision-writing and hearing management

Professional Perspective

This book approaches arbitration as a structured professional discipline requiring fairness, clarity, neutrality, and accountability. It is designed to support practical application, professional growth, and disciplined decision-making while reinforcing the importance of maintaining scope, authority, and procedural integrity throughout the arbitration process.

The focus is not simply on legal theory. The focus is on practical arbitration practice.

Important Notice

This book is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for formal arbitration training, certification, or jurisdiction-specific legal guidance.

Readers are responsible for ensuring that their arbitration practice complies with applicable legislation, professional standards, regulatory requirements, and professional obligations within their jurisdiction.

About the Author

Donald A. Bisson is a mediator, arbitrator, educator, and professional course developer with extensive experience in dispute resolution, professional practice development, and structured decision-making frameworks. As the founder of Northern Dispute Resolution Chambers Inc. and an experienced practitioner in mediation and arbitration, he is known for creating practical, structured resources that help professionals build confidence, maintain professional standards, and apply dispute resolution frameworks effectively.