Local execution.
Global reach.
Your specialist.
Both sides. Live.
Not a network.
New Delhi · Vienna
Disputes resolved.
Independently.
Without the courtroom.
The Neutrals is WLA's affiliated dispute resolution body — providing expert mediators, arbitrators, and neutral evaluators for cross-border commercial disputes. Independent. institutional. Available worldwide through the WLA partner firm network.
The Institutional ADR body that belongs to the WLA ecosystem.
The Neutrals was established as an affiliated institution of World Law Alliance to provide a credible, independent, institutionally-backed alternative dispute resolution body for cross-border commercial disputes. It is not part of WLA — it is independent — but it benefits from WLA's network, its Institutional framework, and its 80+ jurisdiction reach.
The commercial dispute resolution market has historically been served by a small number of established institutions — ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC. These are excellent institutions. The Neutrals does not compete with them for large, complex international arbitrations. Instead, The Neutrals serves the very large number of commercial disputes that are too significant to ignore but not large enough to justify the cost and formality of full Institutional arbitration — the mediation-first, expert determination-ready, time-sensitive middle market of commercial dispute resolution.
"To provide the commercial world with a credible, efficient, institutionally-independent alternative dispute resolution body — available in every market where WLA operates, at a cost proportionate to the value of the dispute."
What The Neutrals provides.
Four dispute resolution services — each designed for a different type of commercial dispute, and each available with Institutional administration, neutral appointment, and 80+ jurisdiction support.
Structured facilitated negotiation for commercial disputes — from a single-day mediation for straightforward matters through to multi-day, multi-party mediations for complex commercial situations. The Neutrals appoints a skilled, impartial mediator from its panel within 72 hours of referral. Outcomes are formalised in a binding settlement agreement drafted by the parties' counsel.
Binding technical, valuation, or accounting determination by an independent expert appointed by The Neutrals. Used for disputes where the central issue is a factual or technical question rather than a legal one — earnout calculations, completion accounts disputes, IT implementation failures, construction defect assessments, and IP valuation disputes. Typically faster and cheaper than arbitration, with binding effect.
Non-binding assessment of the merits of a dispute by an experienced neutral — providing the parties with a credible, independent view of the likely outcome of formal proceedings. Often the most efficient path to settlement: when both parties understand how an objective third party assesses their position, the impetus to settle increases significantly. Typically completed within 4–6 weeks.
Institutional administration of binding arbitral proceedings under The Neutrals Arbitration Rules — with a panel of experienced arbitrators available for appointment, and the full WLA partner firm network available for local seat support and enforcement assistance across 80+ jurisdictions. Designed for disputes of €250,000 to €25m in value where full ICC or LCIA proceedings are disproportionate.
Emergency interim relief administered by The Neutrals — for disputes where urgent preservation of position is required before full proceedings can be constituted. An emergency neutral is appointed within 24 hours and can order interim measures within 48 hours of application. Available 24/7 for time-critical situations.
Ongoing dispute board services for construction, infrastructure, and long-term commercial projects — where a standing panel of neutrals provides real-time dispute avoidance and rapid resolution of disputes as they arise during project execution, preventing the accumulation of disputes that leads to major litigation at project completion.
Our neutrals.
The Neutrals' panel comprises experienced mediators, arbitrators, and technical experts — selected for their professional standing, subject matter expertise, and track record in commercial dispute resolution across the WLA jurisdiction network.
Former High Court judge. 30 years of commercial dispute resolution experience. Former Head of Commercial at leading English chambers.
Professor of Commercial Law, University of Hong Kong. Leading expert in cross-border M&A disputes and completion accounts determinations across APAC jurisdictions.
Former Director-General of the Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration. Expert in GCC commercial law, Islamic finance disputes, and Gulf construction arbitration.
Former Partner, Disputes, at leading German law firm. 25 years of commercial mediation experience across European jurisdictions. Expert in German and EU law.
Former Chief Justice, Commercial Division, Nairobi. Leading expert in East African commercial law, mining disputes, and cross-border investment treaty cases.
Former CTO, European technology group. Certified mediator. Specialist in technology contract disputes, software implementation failures, and IT outsourcing terminations.
How a referral to The Neutrals works.
The referral process is simple and fast. From initial contact to neutral appointment typically takes 72 hours. From neutral appointment to resolution depends on the service selected and the nature of the dispute — but The Neutrals is designed for speed.
Either party submits a referral to The Neutrals — describing the dispute, the value in contention, and the service requested. Joint referral is preferred but unilateral referral is accepted.
5 minutes to completeThe Neutrals assesses the referral and selects the appropriate neutral from the panel — matching subject matter expertise, jurisdictional knowledge, and availability. The neutral is confirmed within 72 hours.
72 hoursThe neutral convenes a pre-process call with both parties to agree the format, timeline, and any preliminary steps. For mediation, a date is set within 3–4 weeks of appointment.
Within 1 week of appointmentMediation, expert determination, or neutral evaluation conducted. Settlement agreement, expert determination, or evaluation report produced. For arbitration, the full process follows The Neutrals Arbitration Rules.
Typically 1–12 weeksReady to resolve your dispute?
Submit a referral to The Neutrals — describe the dispute, the value, and the service you need. The Neutrals will respond within 24 hours with an assessment, a proposed neutral, and a fee estimate. Either party can refer unilaterally. Joint referral is preferred.