Employment, defence and claims · Quirós & Quirós
Arbitration and commercial disputes in Panama
An arbitration clause may determine how a business dispute is resolved. At Quirós & Quirós, we review the agreement, prepare the client’s position and provide representation in the applicable proceedings within the agreed scope.
On this page
Getting started
Key points
- Arbitration and mediation are not the same. Here we offer advice and representation for a party; we do not administer an arbitration center or automatically act as arbitrators.
Review the clause before a dispute arises
When reviewing a contract, we examine which disputes are subject to arbitration and how the agreed procedure is organized. We recommend avoiding copied clauses that do not meet the parties' needs. The analysis starts with the arbitration agreement, the subject matter and the applicable legal framework, including Law 131 of 2013 where appropriate.
Preparation of claims and defense
If a dispute has already arisen, we organize the contract and its amendments, contractual performance, payments and correspondence. We identify the relief sought, supporting evidence for the amounts and the disputed issues. The representation proposal may cover written submissions, evidence and participation in procedural steps.
Decisions and costs to understand from the outset
Arbitration may involve representation fees, center or tribunal costs and other expenses. The rules and characteristics of the procedure are reviewed before it is presented as a suitable option. Steps following the award, including any needed to enforce it, must be expressly defined.
How we proceed
Your matter, step by step
- Preparing the engagement
Review and drafting of arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
- Agreed procedures
Assessment of jurisdiction, claims and defense under the applicable agreement.
- Delivery and follow-up
Document organization, preparation of evidence and representation in arbitration proceedings.
Preparing for your consultation
- The complete contract, arbitration clause, attachments and amendments.
- Claims received, notices and communications with the other party.
- Receipts, chronology and evidence supporting the disputed amount or performance.
Fees, expenses and timing
The proposal distinguishes the firm's fees, institutional or arbitration costs and technical evidence. Arbitration is not presented as necessarily cheaper or faster than any court proceedings. Subsequent steps and court proceedings are included only when agreed.
Timing depends on the documents, participants’ availability and the specific procedures. When defining the engagement, we distinguish our preparation timetable from dates that depend on third parties or an authority.
How we explain your legal fees →Your questions answered
Select a question to read the answer in our central question catalogue.
- What is the difference between arbitration and mediation?
- Can I begin arbitration if my contract has no arbitration clause?
- Can you review an arbitration clause before I sign the contract?
- Does an arbitration clause automatically cover every dispute between the parties?
- Is arbitration always cheaper than court proceedings?
- Do you handle arbitration over construction contracts or commercial breaches?
- Is enforcement of the award included in representation?
- Does Quirós & Quirós administer arbitration as an arbitration centre?
Working with our firm
A clearly defined engagement
- Review and drafting of arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
- Assessment of jurisdiction, claims and defense under the applicable agreement.
- Document organization, preparation of evidence and representation in arbitration proceedings.
Our proposal sets out which of these services you need and the terms of our engagement.