Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide. International arbitration is no exception. Significant AI breakthroughs in 2024 have expanded its adoption among arbitrators and advocates. But growing concerns over security and transparency have prompted calls for heightened oversight.
By Elliot Friedman, Natalia Zibibbo, Rohit Bhat, Sam Prevatt and Olivier André
The legal industry is no stranger to AI technologies and technology-assisted document review (aka predictive coding). However, the next wave of innovation promises even more specialized solutions tailored for legal professionals.
New AI-powered platforms are emerging that may revolutionize legal workflows: conducting research across built-in databases, summarizing awards and pleadings, comparing arguments, assisting with drafting, and streamlining document review using ever more sophisticated models. When used carefully, these tools can significantly improve efficiency in arbitration proceedings, offering time and cost-saving benefits that both arbitrators and advocates are eager to leverage.
Natalia Zibibbo
Counsel
Some of the key opportunities include:
Legal research: AI can streamline legal research by analyzing vast datasets to uncover relevant insights. Platforms equipped with built-in databases, including arbitration-specific resources, enhance practitioners’ ability to prepare efficiently and comprehensively for cases.
Document review: technology-assisted review has been available for many years, with “active learning” algorithms continuously refining models as they process new documents, improving accuracy over time. In 2025 and beyond, next-generation AI is expected to elevate this capability, responding to complex queries across extensive document sets. For example, emerging review tools can identify a witness’s involvement in specific events or aspects of a case, digest interview memoranda, and compare witness statements for inconsistencies.
Drafting and summarizing documents: AI-powered tools can assist in the initial stages of drafting legal documents, including arbitral awards, pleadings, briefs, and contracts, by analyzing precedents and generating new content based on templates and user input. While practitioners must carefully review the outputs, the thoroughness of AI-generated drafts often surprises users. These tools also excel at summarizing lengthy documents, helping practitioners quickly identify key points and focus on critical aspects of a case.
Comparing arguments and predictive analysis: AI can compare arguments across different document sets, helping practitioners identify strengths and weaknesses in their cases. Predictive analysis tools can leverage historical data in an attempt to forecast a likely range of arbitration outcomes, enabling practitioners to make more informed decisions and develop effective strategies.
Case management and transcription services: AI-powered tools can manage entire cases, tracking deadlines, managing communications, and organizing documents, allowing practitioners to focus on more strategic tasks. Furthermore, AI can facilitate virtual hearings by providing real-time transcription, enhancing accessibility and creating clear records of proceedings.
In 2025, the integration of AI into international arbitration is poised to bring about significant changes. The ongoing development of AI tools designed for the legal industry promises to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in arbitral proceedings. At the same time, the introduction of new guidelines and regulations by arbitral institutions and governments will, we hope, ensure that AI is used responsibly and securely. These advancements have the potential to shape the future of international arbitration, driving greater efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Freshfields actively contributes to the development and regulation of AI tools. We are available to share insights, exchange ideas, and provide guidance to those looking to optimize AI tools or navigate upcoming regulatory changes. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss further.
International arbitration in 2025
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