Nath Solicitors looks at the key differences, enforcement potential, and cost considerations in two of the most commonly used international arbitration centres.
High-stakes international disputes are often full of uncertainty and complexity. Where arbitration is being used – either because the parties have chosen arbitration over court litigation or there is an enforceable arbitration clause in the relevant contract – the choice of forum is crucial. That’s because it may significantly influence the outcome of the dispute. The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are two of the world’s leading arbitral institutions and are often selected by multinational businesses, investors and sovereign entities.
At Nath Solicitors in London, our experience in arbitration and expertise in arbitral proceedings enables us to give effective advice to clients on which forum best suits their commercial, legal and jurisdictional needs. Below is a comparative overview to help guide you in that decision.
LCIA and ICC: Key Comparisons
| Feature | LCIA | ICC |
| Headquarters | London | Paris |
| Language | English by default | Any language permitted (often English and French) |
| Cost Structure | Time-based fees (hourly rate) | Value-based fees (tiered according to claim size) |
| Efficiency | Generally faster, with strict timelines | More structured, can be slower for large disputes |
| Confidentiality | Strong emphasis | Case information may be published (anonymised) |
| Appointment of Arbitrators | LCIA Court directly appoints where parties fail | ICC Court confirms arbitrators, allowing more input |
| Popular Sectors | Banking, oil & gas, tech, finance | Construction, energy, large multinationals |
When to Choose LCIA
The LCIA is particularly suited to:
- Disputes requiring confidentiality such as trade secrets or matters instrumental to reputation
- Sophisticated commercial disputes requiring time and cost efficiency
- Disputes about UK-law governed contracts or where English procedural culture is preferred
- Large, complex and high value disputes worldwide
- Shareholder disputes, joint venture fall-out and finance relate arbitration
When to Choose ICC
The ICC is often preferred when:
- The parties to the agreement are from different continents as it has broader global visibility
- One or more parties come from a civil law jurisdiction (e.g., France, Germany, UAE)
- It is a complex multi-party dispute especially in infrastructure or energy projects
- There’s a need for greater procedural control and supervision (because of early terms of reference with ICC court oversight)
Nath Solicitors: Strategic Arbitration Counsel
We advise clients throughout the entire arbitration process – starting from drafting effective arbitration clauses in contracts to obtaining urgent remedies, representing clients in main arbitration proceedings, and assisting with the enforcement of arbitral awards.
Our team’s expertise includes:
- Acting in LCIA and ICC arbitrations, including high-value and complex commercial disputes involving allegations such as fraud, asset recovery, and shareholder claims
- Advising on and obtaining emergency relief measures in support of arbitration, such as freezing orders and anti-suit injunctions
- Supporting clients with the enforcement of international arbitral awards
- Multi-million-pound LCIA disputes
Contact Us
At Nath Solicitors, we specialise in providing expert legal advice on arbitration, contract law, and dispute resolution. If you need assistance in drafting or enforcing arbitration agreements, contact us at 0203 983 8278 or get in touch with Shubha Nath at enquiries@nathsolicitors.co.uk or at shubha@nathsolicitors.co.uk.