DC Emergency International Arbitration | UNCITRAL Rules – NY Law, DC Seat
DC Emergency International Arbitration Desk
Seat: Washington, DC • New York Governing Law • UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules
Emergency intake – call or text
Call 518-915-5815
Emergency International Arbitration • DC Seat

Fast Neutral Relief for International Disputes that Cannot Wait

Emergency international arbitration with Washington, DC as the legal seat, New York law as the substantive governing law (where chosen), and proceedings conducted under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules – for cross-border business and construction conflicts that require a neutral decision-maker within days, not months.

Call for Emergency Review  518-915-5815 Or Text Brief Case Overview
Cross-border construction and infrastructure disputes Shareholder, JV and LLC control conflicts International supply, distribution & services contracts Urgent measures to preserve assets or status quo
Live Emergency Desk Status
Reviewing new international emergency matters…

Seat: Washington, DC — Governing Law: New York — UNCITRAL Procedure

International framework
  • Legal Seat in Washington, DC. The arbitration is seated in DC, anchoring the proceeding in a neutral and internationally respected jurisdiction.
  • Substantive Law of New York (where chosen). Commercial rights and obligations are determined under New York law if designated in the parties’ clause or submission.
  • UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. Proceedings follow the UNCITRAL Rules, adapted for emergency and expedited case management.
  • Virtual by Default. Hearings are typically held by Zoom, with documents exchanged electronically and secure digital filing.
  • Enforcement Mindset. Orders and awards are drafted with a view toward recognition and enforcement in national courts.

The combination of DC seat, New York governing law and UNCITRAL Rules offers a familiar, business-oriented framework for cross-border parties and their counsel.

Seat of Arbitration: Washington, DC (Virtual Proceedings)
International cases are heard remotely, with DC as the agreed legal seat and New York law as governing law where designated by the parties.

Emergency UNCITRAL Process — From Intake to Award

Fast-track process
  • 1. Emergency Intake Call (Same Day Where Possible). Parties or counsel outline the dispute, arbitration clause, deadlines, applicable law, and concrete relief sought.
  • 2. Appointment & Terms of Reference. The parties confirm appointment of the arbitrator, DC seat, New York governing law (if chosen), and adoption of the UNCITRAL Rules with tailored emergency provisions.
  • 3. Procedural & Emergency Case Management Order. Clear deadlines for statements, exhibits, and any limited live testimony by Zoom, with an emphasis on proportionality and speed.
  • 4. Emergency Hearing or Documents-Only Procedure. Each side is fully heard; counsel may lead submissions and presentations in a format suited to the urgency.
  • 5. Reasoned Order and, if needed, Final Award. A written emergency order or interim decision is issued, with a schedule for any continued proceedings and final award under UNCITRAL Rules.

The objective is to provide a structured, enforceable arbitral process that stabilizes the situation while respecting party autonomy and due process.

Your Arbitrator

Zarak O. Ali, Arb. serves as an independent, contract-based arbitrator for international business and construction disputes. The focus is on:

  • Procedures aligned with UNCITRAL practice and party autonomy
  • Balanced consideration of commercial realities and legal rights
  • Clear, reasoned written decisions suitable for enforcement

Parties are strongly encouraged to have their own legal counsel in all jurisdictions implicated by the dispute. Appointment as arbitrator does not create an attorney-client relationship with any party.

What the Arbitrator Can and Cannot Do

  • Can: Issue emergency and interim arbitral orders requiring or restraining specific actions between the parties (e.g., preserving funds, maintaining access, or protecting confidential information).
  • Can: Conduct a full documents-only or hearing-based arbitration under UNCITRAL Rules and issue a final written award on the merits.
  • Can: Work with counsel to design an efficient, internationally oriented procedure that fits the urgency and complexity of the case.
  • Cannot: Act as a judge of any court, issue a court injunction, or provide legal advice to either side.
  • Cannot: Represent or advocate for any party; the role is strictly neutral and adjudicative within the arbitral mandate.

Fees, Retainers & Scheduling

Every international emergency case is different, but most matters are structured around:

  • Flat or capped retainers for the emergency phase (case management and initial order)
  • Reasonable hourly or session-based rates for hearing time, deliberation and drafting
  • Deposits shared by the parties, consistent with cost allocations under UNCITRAL Rules
  • Clear, written engagement and appointment documents agreed by counsel

Indicative fee ranges and scheduling options are discussed on the initial intake call so counsel can advise clients before any appointment is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both sides have to agree to this arbitration? Yes. Either the dispute must fall under an existing arbitration clause that allows for appointment of an arbitrator under UNCITRAL Rules with DC as the seat and New York law as governing law (if chosen), or the parties sign a short submission agreement confirming those points.
How fast can an emergency order be issued? Timing depends on how quickly the parties and counsel can finalize the appointment, confirm governing law and rules, and exchange key materials. In many cases, an initial conference and emergency order framework can be completed within several days of engagement.
Can an emergency order be enforced internationally? Emergency and interim arbitral orders are typically structured so they can be incorporated into a final award, which may then be submitted to a competent court for recognition and enforcement under applicable arbitration law and, where available, the New York Convention. Local counsel should advise on the best enforcement path in each jurisdiction.
Is this a replacement for going to court? Not necessarily. Emergency arbitration is a complementary tool that parties may choose when they want a neutral arbitrator to move more quickly than many court dockets. Parties should always consult their own lawyers about available court options, rights and deadlines.