International arbitration is often criticized for being too expensive, too slow, and overly complex. A central concern in this debate is the growing scope and intensity of document production, which many see as a key driver of rising costs, delays, and tactical behaviour. In response, a group of seasoned in-house counsel has published a whitepaper outlining how expansive document production has contributed to this development, and offering concrete recommendations to bring it back under control: “Taming the Beast – A Whitepaper on Document Production”.
In this session, several of the whitepaper’s authors will share the motivation behind the project and its core findings. Together with experienced external counsel and arbitrators from diverse legal traditions, we will discuss:
- which tools users have at their disposal at the contracting stage to shape and limit document production,
- what arbitral tribunals and counsel can do to manage document production once proceedings are underway, and
- how arbitral institutions can help safeguard efficiency in arbitration.
DIS event series 2026 - online
Lunch DIScussions: Taming the Beast: Users Call for Restraint and Limitations on Document Production in International Arbitration
Date: 8 January 2026, 1.00 - 2.00 pm
The event will take place as a video conference.
For further information please refer to the programme. Participation in this event is free of charge.
Registration
Please register on or before 6 January 2026 via the link below. By registering you accept the DIS General Terms and Conditions for Conferences and Workshops.