What is Arbitration Place Virtual (APV)?

APV provides dispute resolution services through a secure eHearing format. We use advanced video-conferencing software and communications hardware to facilitate a stable and seamless connection.

 

Authorized participants log into our secure platform from wherever they are located. We can also accommodate individuals in our physical hearing spaces in Toronto and Ottawa, which adhere to required safety precautions. We typically use our Enterprise Licence of Zoom or TeleMerge for conferencing, but we can customize the technology offering to meet the size, complexity, or preferences of any hearing.

 

APV includes the unique services of Hearing Technology Specialists who operate the technologies and manage participation so counsel, arbitrators, and mediators can focus on their case work. Our specialists will work with you prior to a proceeding, to test-drive the technology, and provide easy-to-follow instructions for facilitating the most effective virtual proceeding experience.

 

Cyber security

We take the security and confidentiality of our clients seriously, and we're committed to providing secure and reliable service.

 

APV primarily uses our Enterprise Licence of Zoom, which is quite distinct from the free online Zoom service that has recently experienced negative publicity for security issues. For example, you may have heard of “Zoom-bombing” by unauthorized/uninvited users accessing meetings for the purpose of disrupting them. APV doesn't use the free online Zoom service.

 

Our Enterprise Licence of Zoom includes the highest security settings offered by Zoom. For example, all meetings are assigned an individual private ID and meeting password. This significantly enhances meeting security because only people who hold these two unique pieces of information are allowed to join. On top of that, each APV eHearing is controlled by one of our own hosts who ensures that only authorized individuals are participating.

 

Zoom has provided assurances that it does not sell user data, nor has it sold data in the past; it does not monitor meetings or their contents; and it is in compliance with all applicable privacy laws, rules, and regulations in every jurisdiction in which it operates. The links below provide information on a number of recent changes Zoom has made to its policies and security requirements:

 

A message to users — April 2, 2020

Zoom’s Privacy Policy — March 29, 2020

Facts around Zoom and encryption for meetings/webinars — April 4, 2020

Zoom’s Use of Facebook’s SDK in iOS Client — March 27, 2020

How to Keep Uninvited Guests out of your Zoom Event — March 20, 2020

 

We continue to monitor the situation, and will provide updates as new information becomes available. While we enjoy using our Enterprise Licence of Zoom, we offer a number of alternative online platforms for use in your proceedings. We welcome any feedback you may have about any of them.

 

APV can be used for any type of dispute resolution proceeding, including:

• Arbitrations

• Mediations

• Motions and procedural conferences

• Examinations-for-discovery

• Settlement conferences

• Court litigation

• A variety of other tasks that counsel, arbitrators, and mediators perform (we can accommodate various requests, just ask).

 

APV platform includes the same advantages as any traditional on-site resolution proceeding, including:

• Live document display and sharing for all participants

• Real-time communication using high definition audio and video capabilities, as well as the option to join by telephone if preferred

• Control over who joins the hearing, with the assistance of our Hearing Technology Specialist

• An option for virtual breakout rooms, where arbitrators can conduct private deliberations

• Space for up to 100 participants in the eHearing room

• Proceedings recording, transcription, court reporting

• Optional hardware upgrades for high-end rotating cameras, headsets, etc.

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Articles about virtual arbitration:

Virtual Proceedings are Here: Now To Do Them Effectively

Minimising the Impact of COVID-19 on Arbitrations: A Guide for Counsel and Arbitrators | 14 April 2020
Best Practices for Conducting Arbitration Hearings Remotely
The first virtual trial in the commercial court: Stewarts secures continuation of trial despite COVID-19
Is Zoom Good Enough for Mediation?
COVID-19 -The Impact On Court and Arbitration Hearings
The Effects of Pandemic on International Arbitration
The Efficacy of Virtual Arbitration Proceedings Amidst Covid-19 and a Checklist of Best Practices
Moving disputes forward during COVID-19: the arbitration option