The Barrister Group (TBG) and Hunt ADR have launched The Private Arbitration Court, described by both as a new venture in UK arbitration combining decades of expertise with a modern, technology-driven approach.

The collaboration brings together members of TBG (formerly known to many as Clerksroom), with the administrative services provided by Hunt ADR, a leading independent firm specialising in private dispute resolution.

The joint venture aims to provide access to arbitration by providing a streamlined process with a transparent, fixed cost fee structure, allowing parties to resolve disputes efficiently and with financial certainty.

TBG, an umbrella group for well-known legal brands including The Barrister Group chambers and the Barrister Connect direct access platform, recently marked its first anniversary of becoming the first private equity backed legal services business at the Bar, by appointing former Luminace CEO Emily Foges as chief operating officer in June.

The Private Arbitration Court is designed to leverage the best practices of both organisations. Hunt ADR brings more than 25 years of experience in managing arbitration cases. Its online platform, Artemis, developed in collaboration with lawtech provider ODRPlat, enables virtual hearings and comprehensive case management. The platform will support the court’s fixed-fee structure, ensuring clients know the costs upfront, eliminating the unpredictability often associated with legal fees.

TBG, through its members, will contribute their expertise to the initiative. Both aim to offer an arbitration service that is faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods.

Gregory Hunt, chief executive of Hunt ADR, who was a former director at CEDR and CIArb, emphasised the transformative nature of The Private Arbitration Court: “This initiative represents a significant advancement for the UK legal landscape. By integrating expert-led services with advanced technology, we are able to deliver faster and more efficient outcomes. Our fixed fees provide cost transparency, setting new excellence standards in the industry.”

Stephen Ward, co-founder of TBG, also commented on the synergy between the two firms: “Our collaboration is a strategic fit, merging our expertise to shape the future of arbitration. The Private Arbitration Court will streamline the arbitration process and enhance client experience by combining professionalism, technology and agility at a predictable cost.”

The Private Arbitration Court will be serviced by a diverse panel of 29 arbitrators, including Richard Clayton KC, Michael Bready, Alexander Trukhtanov and Professor Cam Wareham, among others. The members of the court were selected for their extensive sectoral experience across various industries, ensuring the court can handle a wide array of disputes.

This development offers a viable alternative to the traditional tribunal system, especially for commercial entities seeking more efficient resolution methods. The fixed cost structure in particular builds on demand for greater cost management in legal disputes, a move likely to be welcomed by businesses and lawyers alike. This is distinct from the fee structures adopted by more established institutions like the LCIA and ICC and those negotiated for ad hoc arbitrations, at a time when litigation backlogs in the civil justice system at first instance in the County Court level have increased.