Benefit Now From Our Early Bird Discount!

Applications can now be received. Do not miss out on this opportunity to get training on the practice in international arbitration.

Early bird tuition fee for our CAS and ArbP programs are offered valid until April 30.

We are excited to share with you the new dates of the upcoming CAS in Arbitration course:

Save the date!
Module 1: June 19–23, 2025 (Online via Zoom)
Module 2: October 2–6, 2025 (Online via Zoom)
Module 3: February 12–16, 2026 (In-person, Switzerland)
Module 4: April 16–20, 2026 (Online via Zoom)

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦?
The CAS in Arbitration is a comprehensive, practice-oriented course that equips professionals with in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills in arbitration. The hybrid format offers the best of both worlds:

💻 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 (𝟏, 𝟐 & 𝟒) – 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
• Save time and costs while enjoying a top-tier interactive virtual learning experience
• Join from anywhere in the world without travel interruptions
🤝 𝐈𝐧-𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 (𝟑) 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 – 𝐔𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
• Engage in highly interactive sessions, including cross-examination exercises and virtual arbitration hearings on jurisdiction
• Network with leading arbitration practitioners, guest lecturers, and fellow participants
• Visit major international arbitration institutions (WIPO, CAS, etc.)
• Attend exclusive sessions and events hosted at prestigious Swiss law firms

Why should you choose the SAA?

① World-Class Faculty: Elevate your expertise under the guidance of internationally renowned arbitration experts. Our distinguished faculty brings a wealth of experience from diverse legal backgrounds, ensuring you receive top-tier education.

② Swiss Excellence: Switzerland is synonymous with precision and quality, and our academy is no exception. Benefit from a curriculum crafted with meticulous attention to detail, aligning with the highest standards of arbitration practice.

③ Networking Opportunities: Engage with actual arbitration professionals. Our academy provides a unique platform to foster relationships, opening doors to collaborations and opportunities across borders.

④ Practical Focus: Gain hands-on experience through workshops, case studies, and simulations. We believe in equipping our participants with practical skills that translate directly into success in the dynamic field of arbitration.

⑤ International Recognition: A certification from the Swiss Arbitration Academy is a stamp of approval recognized worldwide. Open doors to new career prospects and collaborations on an international scale.

One of our recent participants described his experience with the SAA in just one word: transformative.

The modules

While the first module provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamental features and the law of international arbitration, the following three modules cover practical issues on the basis of a mock arbitration case. 

Every module day, one or two renowned international guest speakers are invited to share their experiences and insights with a limited group of participants (approx. 20 persons). The unique blend of in-depth theory with a large range of practical tips and interactive drafting and pleading exercises, ensures an all-round preparation for a career as arbitrator and/or counsel. 

After the four-module training, participants will have acquired knowledge and valuable insights into how arbitration is conducted by counsel and arbitrators.

How to apply

In order to apply to one of the SAA postgraduate courses, please forward your CV, motivation letter and supporting documents to info@saa-switzerland.ch.

Coming up in November: The SAA Practitioner's Course

Our Arbitration Practitioner (ArbP) course starts soon, on November 14, 2024.
It is a program specifically designed for participants with some experience in the legal field, ideally in arbitration.

Who is the SAA Practitioner’s Course suitable for?

Our ArbP program is perfect for professionals with some experience in arbitration who are looking to enhance their skills through active participation. The course features practical training, including pleading based on mock cases, role plays of arbitration scenarios, drafting sessions for written submissions, and interactive discussions on the latest arbitration topics.

The ArbP program is designed to accommodate working professionals, balancing intensive classroom instruction with scheduling flexibility. Participants can attend to their professional responsibilities daily.

The program starts with Module 2 and covers the following topic:

How to commence arbitration proceedings

In Module 2, participants will explore issues related to the early stages of arbitration from the perspectives of both counsel and arbitrators. They will hear from in-house counsel about client needs and expectations in international arbitration, learn about the role of experts at the outset of a dispute, and receive guidance from guest lecturers on case presentation and the use of interim measures to protect clients’ interests. Prominent arbitration practitioners will conduct practical mock training sessions to enhance advocacy skills and teach participants how to draft and submit pleadings. Module 2 also includes introductions to specialized arbitral institutions such as WIPO’s Arbitration and Mediation Center and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as well as focused disciplines like sports arbitration and investment treaty arbitration.

Application Requirements:

The ArbP program is for qualified participants with previous arbitration experience. Participants must attend and actively participate in Modules 2, 3, and 4.

It is possible to sign up for this module individually or you can sign up for the SAA Practitioner's Course.

Learn more about the course here: ArbP program

Apply now!

Next CAS course starts June 27, 2024!

Applications can now be received. Do not miss out on this opportunity to get training on the practice in international arbitration.

Early bird tuition fee for our CAS and ArbP programs are offered valid until April 30.

We are excited to share with you the new dates of the upcoming CAS in Arbitration course:

Save the date!
Module 1: June 27 – July 1, 2024
Module 2: November 14 – 18, 2024
Module 3: February 6 – 10, 2025
Module 4: April 10 – 14, 2025

Modules 1, 2 and 4 will be offered online while Module 3 will be held in person, in Switzerland.

This setup offers a lot of benefits for you:

Because Module 1, 2 and 4 will be offered on a virtual basis, the upcoming course will help you save significant amounts of time and money while we assure you the best experience from our interactive training.

During Module 3, the time allocated for your stay in Switzerland presents several significant advantages for you:

The in-person Module:

-       is the most interactive Module of all four Modules and includes sessions such as cross examination exercises and virtual arbitration hearing sessions on jurisdiction; we are convinced that these sessions are best attended in person;

-       provides for networking opportunities with module leaders, guest lecturers, other participants, and the local legal community in Switzerland which is considered to be the cradle of arbitration; 

-       includes a visit to one of the many international organizations and arbitral institutions in Switzerland, such as WIPO, CAS and others;

-       includes sessions, networking events at the offices of prominent law firms. 

Why should you choose the SAA?

① World-Class Faculty: Elevate your expertise under the guidance of internationally renowned arbitration experts. Our distinguished faculty brings a wealth of experience from diverse legal backgrounds, ensuring you receive top-tier education.

② Swiss Excellence: Switzerland is synonymous with precision and quality, and our academy is no exception. Benefit from a curriculum crafted with meticulous attention to detail, aligning with the highest standards of arbitration practice.

③ Networking Opportunities: Engage with actual arbitration professionals. Our academy provides a unique platform to foster relationships, opening doors to collaborations and opportunities across borders.

④ Practical Focus: Gain hands-on experience through workshops, case studies, and simulations. We believe in equipping our participants with practical skills that translate directly into success in the dynamic field of arbitration.

⑤ International Recognition: A certification from the Swiss Arbitration Academy is a stamp of approval recognized worldwide. Open doors to new career prospects and collaborations on an international scale.

The modules

While the first module provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamental features and the law of international arbitration, the following three modules cover practical issues on the basis of a mock arbitration case. 

Every module day, one or two renowned international guest speakers are invited to share their experiences and insights with a limited group of participants (approx. 20 persons). The unique blend of in-depth theory with a large range of practical tips and interactive drafting and pleading exercises, ensures an all-round preparation for a career as arbitrator and/or counsel. 

After the four-module training, participants will have acquired knowledge and valuable insights into how arbitration is conducted by counsel and arbitrators.

How to apply

In order to apply to one of the SAA postgraduate courses, please forward your CV, motivation letter and supporting documents to info@saa-switzerland.ch.

Next CAS course starts in June - apply now!

Applications can now be received. Do not miss out on this opportunity to get training on the practice in international arbitration.

Early bird tuition fee for our CAS and ArbP programs are offered valid until April 30.

The last two academic cycles of the Swiss Arbitration Academy program were offered on a virtual basis. While this has been a great success, for the upcoming course we are now re-introducing in-person elements of the program.

Modules 1, 2 and 4 continue to be offered online. In contrast to our program in the last two years, Module 3 will be held again, after the pandemic, in person.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮:

→ Since Module 1, 2 and 4 will be offered on a virtual basis, the upcoming course will continue to help you save significant amounts of time and money. As in the past two years, we assure you the best experience from our interactive training.
→ The SAA decided to design one Module (Module 3) as an in-person module. The time you will spend in Switzerland offers you a number of important benefits:
The in-person Module:
-       the Academic Council of the SAA has redesigned the CAS program to include interactive learning sessions from Module 2 and Module 3, such as cross examination exercises and virtual arbitration hearing sessions on jurisdiction, in one in-person module which will take place in Switzerland; we are convinced that these sessions are best attended in person;
-       provides for networking opportunities with module leaders, guest lecturers, other participants, and the local legal community in Switzerland which is considered to be the cradle of arbitration; 
-       includes a visit to one of the many international organizations and arbitral institutions in Switzerland, such as WIPO, CAS and others;
-       includes sessions, networking events at the offices of prominent law firms.

Save the date!
Module 1: 22 - 26 June 2023
Module 2: 9 - 13 November 2023
Module 3: 8 - 12 February 2024
Module 4: 25. – 29. April 2024

Why should you choose the SAA?

At the Swiss Arbitration Academy, we understand the need for practical training and offer a program, that has a distinctive practice-oriented approach. We aim to teach participants what cannot be learned from books alone, namely:

•  by teaching all relevant aspects of arbitral proceedings form preparation and client handling to the final award

•  by analyzing all aspects from the counsel’s as well as the arbitrator’s perspective

In addition, we invite more than 20 experienced guest practitioners to participate in different modules and to assist and coach students in various exercises.

The modules

While the first module provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamental features and the law of international arbitration, the following three modules cover practical issues on the basis of a mock arbitration case. 

Every module day, one or two renowned international guest speakers are invited to share their experiences and insights with a limited group of participants (approx. 20 persons). The unique blend of in-depth theory with a large range of practical tips and interactive drafting and pleading exercises, ensures an all-round preparation for a career as arbitrator and/or counsel. 

After the four-module training, participants will have acquired knowledge and valuable insights into how arbitration is conducted by counsel and arbitrators.

How to apply

In order to apply to one of the SAA postgraduate courses, please forward your CV, motivation letter and supporting documents to info@saa-switzerland.ch.

Introduction to the SAA Modules

In this Blog Post we will be presenting each module to you in more detail and in addition to what you can learn from the SAA's website:

Module 1:

FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION

The first module is dedicated to an introduction to the fundamentals of international arbitration both in a comparative perspective and with emphasis on Swiss law. The course is taught by Professor Christoph Müller and Professor Daniel Girsberger, both experienced university faculty members and arbitration practitioners. The purpose of this “crash course” is to ensure that by the end of the first week, all participants are familiar with the essential aspects of international arbitration law and practice, particularly, with respect to the Swiss legal framework.

The program is based on materials specifically designed for this type of education, and includes practical exercises in all relevant areas of international arbitration, namely:

➢ The legal concept of arbitration, fundamental features, regulatory framework and neighboring methods of dispute resolution

➢ The arbitration agreement

➢ The arbitral tribunal

➢ The arbitral proceedings

➢ The applicable law

➢ The arbitral award

➢ Recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards

Module 2:

HOW TO COMMENCE ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS

Participants now put the knowledge acquired during module 1 into practice. On the basis of a mock case, the participants address issues from the perspective of both counsel and arbitrators in international arbitration.

Emphasis is placed on how lawyers advise their clients when a dispute arises, including why and how to commence arbitration proceedings upon a proper assessment of the case. Key topics are addressed, in particular, how to compel a party into arbitration or how to object to arbitration if the agreement does not provide for a proper dispute resolution mechanism, and how to choose, approach, nominate or challenge arbitrators. The participants consider the importance of the place of arbitration, the impact of the arbitration rules applicable or how to handle ad hoc arbitrations. Most importantly, participants learn how to deal with complex proceedings and multi-party issues (including consolidation of proceedings, joinder/intervention of third parties, and the inclusion of non-signatory parties). The participants will review practical issues like staffing and cost matters, tactical considerations when commencing arbitration proceedings, cultural and behavioral issues regarding first client and/or arbitrator meetings as well as interaction with opposing counsel.

Guest lecturers discuss with the participants how to present a case before the arbitral tribunal. In particular, prominent arbitration practitioners help to improve advocacy skills through practical mock training sessions (mock client interviews, mock arbitrator interviews, mock organizational hearings, mock pleadings on jurisdiction, etc.). Participants will also learn how to draft and submit pleadings (briefs for the Claimant and for the Respondent), as well as how to seek appropriate relief.

Module 3:

THE TAKING OF EVIDENCE: HEARINGS AND INTERIM MEASURES

In the third module of the program, the participants will be introduced to various aspects of the taking of evidence (for example, the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence and requests for document production), interim measures and, in particular, evidentiary hearings. A special highlight is the intensive and interactive cross examination training. Each participant will be actively involved and will have to do cross examination. Other elements of the course include a mock case on mixed proceedings (Arb-Med-Arb) and a discussion with seasoned mediators. The entire module will be accompanied by an experienced in-house counsel, who will always bring the user's point of view into the discussions. As this is a practical course, the module will be very interactive.

Module 4:

FROM THE HEARING TO THE CHALLENGE AND ENFORCEMENT OF AWARDS

The fourth Module concerns the last stage of arbitral proceedings: the deliberation of the arbitral tribunal, the award, and the challenge of an award. In the first part of the Module, participants learn about the closure of the proceedings and the making of the award. Questions covering the deliberations of the members of the arbitral tribunal, the drafting and the signing of the award, the notification of the award, as well as truncated tribunals and dissenting arbitrators will be discussed. Further, money matters of course as well: the allocation of the costs of the arbitration also forms an important part of the discussions. From the counsel's perspective, the drafting of requests for correction and interpretation of the award will be reviewed. The adjudication is addressed from the tribunal's perspective. Settlement and other grounds for termination of arbitral proceedings are also covered.

The second part of the Module will address issues about the enforcement of the award. Participants learn where and how to enforce an award, or, conversely, how to resist enforcement of an award. Debated issues like the enforceability of awards which were annulled at the place of arbitration are also addressed.

The third part of the Module covers the challenge of the award. The focus is on jurisdiction, the grounds for challenging an award, and other procedural issues related to the challenge of an award. Participants also learn that the finality of arbitral awards may not have the same bearing in all jurisdictions. Additionally, whether arbitral tribunals are in a position to reconsider their awards based on new facts or evidence discovered after the rendering of the award is also discussed.

Early bird tuition fee for our CAS and ArbP programs are offered valid until May 25.

How to apply

In order to apply to one of the SAA postgraduate courses, please forward your CV, motivation letter and supporting documents to info@saa-switzerland.ch.

Next CAS course starts in June - apply now for interactive virtual training!

Applications can now be received. Do not miss out on this opportunity to get training on the practice in international arbitration.

Early bird tuition fee for our CAS and ArbP programs are offered valid until April 30.

The program for the CAS and the ArbP will be offered on a virtual basis only.

Save the date!
Module 1: 23 - 27 June 2022
Module 2: 3 - 7 November 2022
Module 3: 9 - 13 February 2023
Module 4: 27. April – 1 May 2023

Why should you choose the SAA?

At the Swiss Arbitration Academy, we understand the need for practical training and offer a program, that has a distinctive practice-oriented approach. We aim to teach participants what cannot be learned from books alone, namely:

•  by teaching all relevant aspects of arbitral proceedings form preparation and client handling to the final award

•  by analyzing all aspects from the counsel’s as well as the arbitrator’s perspective

In addition, we invite more than 20 experienced guest practitioners to participate in different modules and to assist and coach students in various exercises.

The modules

While the first module provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamental features and the law of international arbitration, the following three modules cover practical issues on the basis of a mock arbitration case. 

Every module day, one or two renowned international guest speakers are invited to share their experiences and insights with a limited group of participants (approx. 20 persons). The unique blend of in-depth theory with a large range of practical tips and interactive drafting and pleading exercises, ensures an all-round preparation for a career as arbitrator and/or counsel. 

After the four-module training, participants will have acquired knowledge and valuable insights into how arbitration is conducted by counsel and arbitrators.

How to apply

In order to apply to one of the SAA postgraduate courses, please forward your CV, motivation letter and supporting documents to info@saa-switzerland.ch.

The SAA Practitioner's Course

The Arbitration Practitioner (ArbP) is a program specifically designed for participants with some experience in the legal field, ideally in arbitration.

Why should you apply?

• The program of 3 modules offers a rich course selection, allowing students to practice advocacy skills. We aim to teach participants what cannot be learned from books alone.

• Future arbitration practitioners should learn from prominent practitioners with whom they are able to personally interact. 

• In addition to the head lecturers, more than 15 guest practitioners participate in the different modules to assist and coach students in practical exercises.

• While the training usually includes a lot of travelling for the participants, the upcoming courses will spare you a lot of time and money, while we assure that you get the best experience out of our interactive virtual training.

The next module is coming up in November, covering the following topic:

How to commence arbitration proceedings

On the basis of a mock case, the participants address issues from the perspective of both counsel and arbitrators in international arbitration.

Guest lecturers discuss with the participants how to present a case before the arbitral tribunal. In particular, prominent arbitration practitioners help to improve advocacy skills through practical mock training sessions (mock client interviews, mock arbitrator interviews, mock organizational hearings, mock pleadings on jurisdiction, etc.). Participants will also learn how to draft and submit pleadings (briefs for the Claimant and for the Respondent), as well as how to seek appropriate relief.

 It is possible to sign up for this module individually or you can sign up for the SAA Practitioner's Course.

Learn more about the courses here: https://www.cas-arbitration.org/modules

Apply now to benefit from our early bird discount!

Review Module 1

Review Module 1

The CAS participants completed Module 1 and it has been a great success! 

Christoph Müller and Daniel Girsberger designed the program and were the head lecturers in Module 1. Both are experienced professors and seasoned and highly regarded arbitration practitioners. They were supported by prominent practitioners with whom the group was able to personally interact. A big thank you goes to Alice Fremuth-Wolf, VIAC Secretary General, Friederike Schäfer, Councel ICC, Hannes Latzel, Swiss Arbitration Center, Laurence Ponty, LCIA, Counsel at Archipel, Joe Liu, Deputy Secretary-General of HKIAC, Kevin Nash, Deputy Registrar & Centre Director SIAC, Katia Rener, DIS Case Manager, Olivia Furter, Senior Case Manager Nivalion and Franziska Studer, Senior Case Manager Nivalion.

We were so happy about the positive and dynamic interactions within the group despite the virtual environment of the program.

 The first module was dedicated to an introduction to the fundamentals of international arbitration both in a comparative perspective and with emphasis on Swiss law.

The purpose of this “crash course” is to ensure that by the end of the first week, all participants are familiar with the essential aspects of international arbitration law and practice, particularly with respect to the Swiss legal framework.

Module 1 is based on materials specifically designed for this type of education, and includes practical exercises in all relevant areas of international arbitration, namely:

• The Legal Concept of Arbitration, Fundamental Features, Regulatory Framework and Neighbouring Methods of Dispute Resolution

• The Arbitration Agreement

• The Arbitral Tribunal

• The Arbitral Proceedings

• The Applicable Law

• The Arbitral Award

• Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards

We are looking forward to module 2, how to commence arbitration proceedings, starting in November, where Participants will put the knowledge acquired during module 1 into practice. On the basis of a mock case, the participants address issues from the perspective of both counsel and arbitrators in international arbitration. It is possible to apply for individual modules. Find out more: https://www.cas-arbitration.org/overview

Interested in education in international arbitration? Why SAA is your best choice

About SAA

The Swiss Arbitration Academy (SAA) is a private institution founded and directed by a group of arbitration practitioners, including attorneys and professors, to provide professional and practical training in arbitration. International Arbitration requires a number of skills. A preferred location for international arbitration like Switzerland is apt to provide education of the highest level. The SAA offers a Certificate of Advanced studies (CAS) in arbitration in collaboration with the Universities of Luzern & Neuchâtel as well as a Practitioner’s diploma in arbitration (ArbP). The courses are open to lawyers, in-house counsel, advanced students and other professionals with an interest in international arbitration. For professionals who do not have a legal background, prior experience with arbitration is recommendable.

Why is the SAA different from other programs?

At the Swiss Arbitration Academy, we understand the need for practical training and offer a program, that has a distinctive practice-oriented approach. We aim to teach participants what cannot be learned from books alone, namely:

•  by teaching all relevant aspects of arbitral proceedings form preparation and client handling to the final award

•  by analyzing all aspects from the counsel’s as well as the arbitrator’s perspective

In addition, we invite more than 20 experienced guest practitioners to participate in different modules and to assist and coach students in various exercises.

How do we adapt to the current travel restrictions?

The faculty of the Academy has developed an online program for the CAS and the ArbP which will be offered, for the first time, in 2021 on a virtual basis only. 
Do not miss this amazing opportunity to take part in these programs without the burden of travel and with the benefit of exceptionally low tuition fees due to Covid.

Provided that the pandemic situation allows to do so, the SAA organizes a 1-2 day live networking experience in Switzerland.

The modules

While the first module provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamental features and the law of international arbitration, the following three modules cover practical issues on the basis of a mock arbitration case. 

Every module day, one or two renowned international guest speakers are invited to share their experiences and insights with a limited group of participants (approx. 20 persons). The unique blend of in-depth theory with a large range of practical tips and interactive drafting and pleading exercises, ensures an all-round preparation for a career as arbitrator and/or counsel. 

After the four-module training, participants will have acquired knowledge and valuable insights into how arbitration is conducted by counsel and arbitrators.

How to apply

In order to apply to one of the SAA postgraduate courses, please forward your CV, motivation letter and supporting documents to info@saa-switzerland.ch.