Tricia Bigelow is a retired legal industry professional who led a career defined by a caring approach and a commitment to justice, along with exceptional expertise in arbitration. With an illustrious career spanning decades in the judiciary, Tricia A. Bigelow brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. In the following article, Tricia Bigelow delves into the intricate qualities and characteristics that define a truly exceptional arbitrator. Drawing upon her vast experience presiding over complex cases and observing countless arbitrators in action, she provides valuable insights on what sets apart the best from the rest.
It’s not a job that gets a lot of attention, but the role of an arbitrator is an invaluable one that is becoming increasingly popular in allowing all people to settle uncomfortable disputes as quickly as possible.
Tricia Bigelow explains the values and skills a professional should possess if they’re looking to become an arbitrator in the legal field.
Tricia Bigelow Explains the Job of an Arbitrator
Arbitration is the process by which legal disputes can be resolved without the need for two parties to head to court, thereby avoiding formal litigation. Those who choose arbitration find that it can be a quicker, less formal way to resolve issues.
Arbitrators are those appointed by both parties or a tribunal, and who listen to both sides of the case and take in all the facts before making a fair and informed decision, by which both parties are bound.
Tricia A. Bigelow, Judge says that those who use the process of arbitration are usually those looking to settle small commercial disputes, or employment tribunals between workers and bosses that have not reached a satisfactory conclusion within a firm’s in-house legal team.
Who Can Become an Arbitrator
Tricia A. Bigelow, Judge explains that it is common for those who have already worked in the legal profession to move into arbitration, so this can include lawyers, judges, or other experienced legal professionals. However, these jobs are not pre-requisites for those looking for a career as an arbitrator.
Becoming an arbitrator usually involves gaining a bachelor’s degree (in law or similar field) before going on to get extra qualification through training and on-the-job experience. Tricia A. Bigelow, Judge notes that many arbitrators work in the legal field or for local government services.
There are several paths an interested person can take to get into the field, and these
paths can also vary from state to state, so it’s always a good idea to check state guidelines and rules if becoming an arbitrator sounds like an appealing career choice.
What Makes a Great Arbitrator
Tricia A. Bigelow, Judge says that being an arbitrator is a highly rewarding role for which there is growing demand. But it’s not for everyone, so for those looking to get into the profession, there are a few skills and facets that go a long way to making someone excel in the job.
These can be split into hard and soft skill categories. Hard skills are those which are necessary for the job, including training, certification, and formal qualifications. Soft skills are the personality traits and individual qualities that set candidates for the same role apart from each other and give someone and edge in a particular field.
• Hard Skills
Tricia A. Bigelow, Judge explains that arbitration is fundamentally a legal process, so those looking to make a career in arbitration must have the necessary legal education and experience. This often means a relevant college degree, along with time spent in the legal field.
They should have excellent time management skills, and the ability to thoroughly conduct research and present their findings in a professional and legally compliant way. Unlike mediators or conciliators, arbitrators deliver legal decisions that must be abided by, by both parties.
• Soft Skills
Tricia Bigelow states that a fundamental quality of an arbitrator is that of a genuine interest in people and in conflict resolution. The cases that come up must be thoroughly researched so patience, a love of fine detail, and a desire to reach the best possible outcome are very important.
Arbitrators must have excellent communication skills, and a degree of empathy. For them to fully understand both sides of the story and take in all the details means that they must not only possess good listening faculties but know when to ask pertinent questions that will reveal full details of the cases they’re investigating.
Tricia Bigelow says that this means being able to put people at ease, and having the flexibility to cater for clients’ needs so that they will be more likely to share more about their concerns and expectations regarding case circumstances.
The skill of making correct decisions is also vital for successful arbitrators. The decision of an arbitrator is one that both parties must abide by, so it’s one that must be made after careful consideration and a weighing up of all the information.
And finally, arbitrators must be discreet. They come across a variety of cases and each case must be treated with professionalism and discretion, including never discussing the case outside of the parties involved.
