Arbitrator Appointments

Dr. Ahmadreza Moini accepts appointments as arbitrator in commercial disputes, particularly those involving Iranian, English or UAE law. Every appointment is subject to a conflict check, availability and suitability for the dispute. This page explains how appointment works and what parties can expect.

How arbitrators are appointed

• By the parties: in a three-member tribunal, each side usually nominates one arbitrator and the two nominees (or the institution) choose the presiding arbitrator.
• By agreement: parties can jointly choose a sole arbitrator.
• By an institution: where the rules provide for it or a party fails to nominate, the institution (for example LCIA, ICC or DIAC) makes the appointment.
• By the court: as a last resort, the court of the seat can appoint where the agreed procedure fails, for example under section 18 of the English Arbitration Act 1996.

Independence, impartiality and disclosure

An arbitrator must be, and be seen to be, impartial. Before accepting an appointment, a candidate must disclose circumstances that might reasonably give rise to justifiable doubts about impartiality. In England this duty was confirmed by the Supreme Court in Halliburton v Chubb [2020] UKSC 48 and is now set out in the Arbitration Act 2025. International practice also follows the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (updated in 2024).

In practice, a conflict check covers past and current relationships with the parties, their counsel and related companies, and any prior view expressed on the issues.

What makes a suitable arbitrator for your dispute

• Knowledge of the governing law and the legal systems involved.
• Languages: proceedings and documents in English, Persian or Arabic.
• Experience with the type of contract, such as distribution, licensing, construction or shareholder agreements.
• Availability to run the case efficiently and issue the award on time.

Credentials

Dr. Moini holds a PhD in private law, is a member of the Iran Bar Association and of the Tehran Arbitrators Association, and works across Iranian, English and UAE commercial matters. He also teaches online arbitration and conflict of laws at university level.

How to enquire

1. Send the names of the parties and their counsel so we can run a conflict check.
2. Briefly describe the dispute, the seat, the rules and the expected timetable.
3. We confirm availability, any disclosures and the proposed fee basis in writing.

Parties seeking an expert opinion rather than an arbitrator should see our Iranian law expert witness service. The two roles are different and cannot be combined in the same case.

Considering an appointment? Ask a question or book a consultation, or return to our arbitration services.

General information only, current as of November 2026. It is not legal advice for a specific matter.