Introducing Single-Issue Arbitrations

Sometimes, the most challenging part of resolving conflict isn’t the conflict itself; it’s navigating the system built around it.

I have heard similar frustrations from family lawyers, civil & estate litigators, commercial counsel, and GCs:

“We’re spending months waiting in chambers over one narrow issue, and not getting anywhere.”

“Clients are drained, financially and emotionally, before they ever even reach a hearing on the merits.”

“We could settle the rest of this case if we could just get one determination.”

I have come to know that frustration well. As a mediator and arbitrator, I’ve seen how often the entire dispute hinges on one discrete issue. When that’s the case, dragging the matter through full-blown litigation or even traditional arbitration feels like a complete waste of resources and time.

Why We're Introducing “Single-Issue” and "Limited-Issue" Processes

After numerous conversations with counsel and clients, we’ve decided to formally offer these streamlined procedures designed to resolve a single or limited number of questions efficiently and definitively, without the weight of a full trial, waiting endlessly in chambers, or nervously preparing for a summary trial application that might never be heard or just turned down. The aim is simple:

• Speed. File online, schedule promptly, and have your issue decided promptly.

• Clarity. Focus only on the defined issue, not the surrounding noise.

• Proportionality. Time and cost are more proportionate to the dispute.

• Practicality. Increase momentum for broader settlement.

How It Works

The process is designed for accessibility and predictability:

1. Online Initiation. Counsel or parties complete a simple online intake form (https://www.accordance.ca/single-issue-arbitrations);

2. We'll reach out to the opposing side, cc'ing you, and answer any questions. If the parties all agree, we proceed;

3. Issue Definition. Jurisdiction and scope are confirmed (i.e., “the issue”), finalize the arbitration or med-arb agreement online, and schedule the hearing;

4. Hearing materials, a notice of application, response, and supporting affidavits or briefs are filed securely online;

5. Streamlined hearing: Matters proceed on the written materials and with short hearings (in person or virtual);

6. Rapid Determination. For arbitrations, a concise written award follows promptly. For med-arbs, if mediation does not resolve the issue, the arbitration usually proceeds within 2-8 weeks.

Where It Fits

Family disputes: a valuation date, an excluded property claim, a large extraordinary expense, a determination for business income, etc.

Contractual disputes: a discreet commercial lease dispute, a disputed term in an agreement such as a subcontract, purchase agreement, a buy-and-sell agreement, etc., or an interpretation issue holding up a larger negotiation.

Corporate disputes: a clause in a shareholder or partnership agreement, a directors dispute, share purchase agreement or an interpretation issue holding up a larger negotiation.

Estate disputes: executor fees, disclosure obligations, or entitlement to a specific asset.

Basically, anywhere one point of impasse is stalling everything else, this process unlocks movement.

Why It Matters to Me

When I left the courtroom for mediation and arbitration, it was because I believed, and still believe, that procedure should serve people, not the other way around.

The single-issue process reflects that philosophy. It’s born from dozens of conversations with counsel who said similarly:

“Marco, if we could just get this one question answered, we could settle the rest.”

So, we built a process for exactly that. It’s fully online, proportionate, private, and anchored in fairness. And it lets us redirect energy from fighting toward finishing.

The Invitation

If you’re counsel, in-house, or a party managing a narrow dispute, consider this your invitation to try something simpler. You can:

• Schedule a hearing date quickly;

• Submit your materials securely, and hold a hearing online or in-person in Vancouver, Victoria, or Toronto;

• Receive a precise, enforceable determination, or mediated settlement, in a fraction of the time a chambers application or trial would take to be heard.

We're calling these Single-Issue and Limited-Issue Arbitrations and Med-Arbs, but really, it’s just about giving people one less barrier between conflict and closure. Curious? Reach out to us or completing the form below:

https://www.accordance.ca/single-issue-arbitrations