In this episode of CCA Arbitration Talk, recorded live at the American Arbitration Association’s Biannual Neutrals Conference in Dallas, host Rich Silberberg is joined by CCA Fellow John Burritt (“Mac”) McArthur — experienced commercial arbitrator and author of The Reasoned Arbitration Award in the United States: Its Purposes, Preparation, Problems, and Preservation (Juris, 2022).

Mr. McArthur shares insights from his extensive career as both advocate and arbitrator, discussing the evolving expectations surrounding reasoned awards and offering practical guidance on drafting awards that meet the needs of the parties while standing up to judicial scrutiny. Topics include:

• The historical development and significance of reasoned awards;
• Judicial standards of review of reasoned awards;
• Common pitfalls in drafting reasoned awards and how to avoid them;
• Best practices for creating clear, persuasive, and enforceable reasoned awards.

This conversation provides valuable strategies for arbitrators and advocates seeking to strengthen the legitimacy and durability of arbitration awards.

For more information about John Burritt McArthur’s work, or to purchase The Reasoned Arbitration Award in the United States at a discount, please click https://arbitrationlaw.com/books/reasoned-arbitration-award-united-states-its-promise-problems-preparation-and-preservation and enter “CCA” for a special 20% discount being extended exclusively to our listeners.

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In this episode of CCA Arbitration Talk, we look ahead to a pivotal moment in the evolution of commercial arbitration: Summit II, hosted by the College of Commercial Arbitrators (CCA) on June 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The event marks the 100th anniversary of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) and brings together key stakeholders in the arbitration community to reflect, reimagine, and update commercial arbitration protocols for the next century.

CCA Arbitration Talk host Rich Silberberg is joined by two prominent voices in the field:

• Dana Welch, President of the CCA with over two decades of experience as a commercial arbitrator.
• John Barkett, Partner at Shook, Hardy & Bacon, a member of the CCA Board and an experienced commercial arbitrator, who has helped lead the development of Summit II.

Together, they explore:

• The origins and impact of Summit I and the CCA Protocols for Expeditious, Cost-Effective Arbitration.
• How the protocols have stood the test of time—and where they need updates.
• The profound changes in arbitration over the past 15 years, including the advent of remote hearings, AI tools for parties and arbitrators, and mass arbitrations.
• The goals of Summit II: innovation and a fresh commitment to making arbitration frugal, fast, fair, and future-ready.

They also walk through the agenda for Summit II, including panel topics, academic contributions, and a look to the future of the FAA.

📍 Interested in attending? Visit the registration page.

🎟️ In-house counsel can register for free! Contact John Barkett at jbarkett@shb.com for a discount code.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Summit II Registration
• CCA Website

What happens when an award of an Olympic medal decision is overturned? In this gripping episode of Arbitration Talk, CAS arbitrators Jim Carter and Kristen Thorsness join host Rich Silberberg to unpack the most highly disputed medal award of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

A protest over scoring in the women’s gymnastics floor exercise event final led to a shocking series of reversals, leaving three athletes in limbo and setting the stage for a controversial ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) followed by a now-pending appeal to the Swiss Supreme Court. Tune in as we break down the legal drama, the role of CAS in the resolution of disputes arising at the Olympic Games, and what might happen next in the resolution of this high-stakes dispute.

Links mentioned in this episode:

www.tas-cas.org

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