Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

Choosing a Dispute-Resolution Path

A commercial disagreement may be addressed through direct negotiation, mediation, court proceedings or arbitration, depending on the parties’ agreement, the nature of the dispute and the applicable legal framework. Negotiation allows parties to explore a resolution directly; mediation involves a neutral facilitator but does not itself impose a decision. Court proceedings and arbitration are formal processes in which a decision is made by a court or tribunal under the relevant procedure. No method is invariably preferable.

Dispute Assessment and Strategy

The firm advises on domestic and international commercial disputes and assists clients in assessing their position, the documents and evidence available, the relief sought and the practical objectives of the matter. Early review may include examining the contract’s dispute-resolution clause, identifying the agreed forum or process and considering procedural implications. International arbitration may involve a chosen seat, institutional or ad hoc rules and other features determined by the agreement and circumstances; the governing law and procedure must be assessed rather than assumed.

Where arbitration is appropriate under the agreement and applicable framework, legal assistance may include preparing the client’s case, organizing evidence and submissions, and representing the client through the relevant process. The procedural steps depend on the arbitration agreement, applicable rules and tribunal directions. Dr. Zakaria Y. El Ghoul’s published profile identifies him as a certified arbitrator associated with the Cairo Regional Center for International Commercial Arbitration and the Geneva International Arbitration Center. This published credential does not imply an institutional appointment or a particular outcome in any dispute.

Negotiation or mediation may also be considered where suitable, including alongside preparation for formal proceedings. Any potential steps concerning an award or court process require a separate assessment of the applicable law, forum and circumstances.

Careful, Matter-Specific Preparation

Dispute strategy depends on the agreement, chronology, evidence, parties and procedural posture. The firm reviews the relevant documents and helps clients understand options, risks and next steps. For international matters, the role of the chosen seat, agreed rules and any foreign-law question should be distinguished from advice on Lebanese law; foreign-law advice may require separate qualified counsel.

Discuss a Dispute

Contact the firm in Beirut to discuss a commercial disagreement, an arbitration clause or an existing arbitration. An initial review can identify the documents and procedural questions relevant to the matter.

Partners

• Dr. Nadine Araji
• Dr. Zakaria Y. El Ghoul