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Specialist Costs Support for Arbitration Proceedings

Tribunal Assessments, Schedules and Written Submissions

Arbitral costs assessments are often conducted on the basis of schedules, invoices and focused submissions, rather than the full formalities of court assessment. Where the tribunal is assessing costs, we prepare bespoke schedules that set out the costs succinctly but persuasively, ensuring the tribunal can understand what has been incurred, how it relates to the issues in dispute and why it is reasonable and proportionate.

We also draft written submissions on costs, respond to opponent submissions and advise on the strategic presentation of the costs position in line with the tribunal’s powers and the applicable rules or institutional framework. Where a higher-level breakdown is expected, we ensure that the narrative and structure still support maximum recoverability without unnecessary complexity.

If the parties decide that a court-based detailed assessment is more appropriate, we guide the transition and prepare the required costs documents accordingly. In either route, our objective is to keep the process efficient, technically sound and focused on securing a fair and commercially sensible result.

Our approach

Our approach to arbitration costs is grounded in early strategic evaluation and precise presentation. We begin by assessing how costs are likely to be determined under the relevant arbitration agreement, rules or institutional procedures and whether tribunal assessment or court assessment best serves the client’s objectives. We consider speed, proportionality, the likely extent of tribunal scrutiny and the practical realities of the dispute.

Where costs are assessed by the tribunal, we prepare clear and persuasive schedules supported by accurate calculations and a disciplined narrative. We ensure that costs are aligned to the work genuinely required by the arbitration, framed in a way that is straightforward for the tribunal to evaluate and difficult to challenge credibly. We also draft concise written submissions that focus on recoverability, reasonableness and proportionality, while anticipating the opponent’s likely points.

Where a traditional detailed assessment is required instead, we handle the process with the same rigour applied to court costs proceedings, ensuring a smooth, defensible transition.

Throughout, we provide pragmatic advice on risk, settlement prospects and the likely outcome on assessment, helping clients move through the costs stage efficiently and with confidence.

Why choose Athene Legal?

Arbitration costs require both technical costs expertise and an understanding of tribunal practice. Our team brings experience in arbitration-specific assessments as well as court-based costs procedures, enabling us to advise on the most effective route and execute it to the highest standard.

Clients value our ability to simplify complex costs issues, present them clearly and drive the process forward without unnecessary delay. We draft schedules and submissions that are thorough but tribunal-appropriate, safeguarding recoverability while respecting proportionality and procedure.

Whether supporting tribunal assessment or detailed assessment, we focus on achieving a fair result swiftly and with minimal satellite dispute. To discuss how we can assist with costs in arbitration, please contact us using the form on this page.

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Firms across the UK rely on our expertise, precision and results. Here’s what our clients say about working with us.

“I engaged Tyler at Athene Legal after scoring a significant victory at trial for a client in hotly contested and complex High Court Litigation. Tyler and his team’s work on the bill of costs was efficient and detailed, and his pragmatic and commercially focused advice assisted in the early resolution of the costs issue on sensible terms. I would be happy using Athene Legal again and would recommend them to colleagues and contacts.”

Peter BrewerClarke Willmott

“The support that they have provided in preparing our costs budgets and bills in highly complex cases has been superb. Their advice is clear, and we always feel confident in obtaining an excellent result by instructing them.”

PartnerTop 100 UK law firm

18

Highest costs case

280

Most claimants in group litigation

50

Serving over 50 top law firms

Frequently asked questions

Should costs be assessed by the tribunal or through court assessment?

This depends on the arbitration framework and the commercial priorities. Tribunal assessment is often faster and benefits from the arbitrator’s familiarity with the case, while court assessment may be preferable where a formal, detailed procedure is required.

What format is usually used for tribunal costs assessments?

Tribunals commonly assess costs using schedules, supporting invoices and concise written submissions, rather than full formal bills and points of dispute.

Can Athene Legal prepare costs schedules for arbitration?

Yes. We prepare bespoke schedules tailored to the tribunal’s requirements, presenting costs clearly, proportionately and in a way that supports recovery.

: Do you assist with written costs submissions?

Yes. We draft submissions, advise on opponents’ submissions and frame the costs position strategically under the relevant arbitration rules.

Do you handle international arbitration costs?

Yes. We regularly support costs issues in both domestic and international arbitration, including high-value and multi-jurisdictional disputes.

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