The Istanbul Arbitration Association brings together practitioners working in different areas of arbitration under the “ISTA Arbitrator List”.
In countries where arbitration is widespread, the existence of such lists enables the parties to make accurate and rapid arbitrator selection prior to the dispute. With this list, ISTA aims to facilitate the parties to the dispute in appointing arbitrators and to bring qualified practitioners to the forefront.
ISTA has published the “Arbitrator Qualification Criteria” for this purpose. The published criteria include mandatory and additional qualifications. Practitioners are required to comply with the mandatory criteria in order to be included in the list. Beyond the mandatory criteria, the list also includes additional criteria where the parties to the dispute may take into account the different qualifications of the arbitrators.

Arbitrator Qualification Criteria
I. Training, Competencies and Certificates
A. Mandatory Criteria
Bachelor’s degree in law.
Adequate arbitration training for non-law school graduates.
B. Additional Non-Mandatory Criteria
Postgraduate programs related to the field of expertise
Extensive training and courses on arbitration
Certificates, awards, certificates of honor, etc. in the field of expertise
Language proficiency to conduct arbitration proceedings

II.Assurances and Commitments
A. Mandatory Criteria
To undertake that the information provided for entry to the ISTA Arbitrator List is accurate
To undertake to comply with ISTA Arbitrators’ Code of Ethics
Not being convicted of any disgraceful or shameful offense, including breach of trust, not being subjected to a judicial or administrative investigation, not being subjected to a professional disciplinary sanction or investigation, which may raise doubts about his/her ability to conduct the arbitration process independently, impartially, honestly and fairly.
ISTA may decide on admission to the list by assessing whether there would be cause for suspicion if the investigation is still in progress.
B. Additional Non-Mandatory Criteria
Having professional liability insurance under the conditions recommended by ISTA.

III. Professional Experience and Knowledge
A. Mandatory Criteria
Being at least 35 years old and able to fulfill the duties to be undertaken in the arbitration.
At least 10 years of professional experience for law school graduates.
For non-law school graduates, at least 5 years or more of managerial or senior expert experience in specialized sectors.
B. Additional Non-Mandatory Criteria
Having served as an arbitrator in institutional or Ad Hoc arbitration proceedings.
Having served as an attorney, secretary, etc. in institutional or Ad Hoc arbitration proceedings.
Having taken part in dispute resolution processes related to their area of expertise.
Having an academic career or specialization in arbitration.
Having published works or articles on arbitration or their area of expertise.

IV. Memberships References and Appointment
A. Mandatory Criteria
Being a member of a professional / non-governmental organization in the field of expertise or submitting two reference letters certifying their expertise in the field.
B. Additional Non-Mandatory Criteria
Being on the arbitrator lists of one of the institutional arbitration centers
Being a member of non-governmental organizations in the field of arbitration.