4. Who Has to Be Technologically Competent in Arbitration?

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between commercial and investment arbitrators and two key groups: legal assistants and non-legal professionals with technological expertise. It discusses the delicate balance between delegating tasks to these professionals and the arbitrators' own technological competence. The chapter reflects on the evolving role of legal assistants, highlighting the recent consensus on transparency in their appointment and the increasing importance of their technological skills. It also examines the growing integration of non-legal professionals in arbitration, focusing on their role in remote hearings and the necessity for arbitrators to supervise and interact with them. The chapter concludes by considering the potential future of these roles in the face of advancing technology, raising thought-provoking questions about the impact of AI and the possibility of human replacement.