Arbitration is an alternative to litigation, where the parties agree to appoint a specific person, or have a person nominated by an independent third party such as a law society, to adjudicate the dispute between them. The main benefit of arbitration above litigation is that it is a much more speedy way to resolve disputes. Typically, matters can be finalised within a few months. The main disadvantage is the costs, as the parties now also pay the arbitrator, transcription costs, and perhaps a venue fee. We are able sit as arbitrator in commercial disputes, at a reasonable tariff. Ben successfully completed the AFSA Commercial Arbitrations Course in August 2015, and was subsequently appointed to the AFSA Panel of Commercial Arbitrations. He is also an approved arbitrator on the panels of the Western Cape Provincial Council of the Legal Practice Council, and the Law Society of South Africa, and has been practicing as an attorney for more than 15 years. Where an agreement between parties provides for referral of such dispute to arbitration by an attorney, we would be able to assist. We can, of course, also assist a party when their matter has been referred to arbitration, and have dealt with a number of arbitrations.