PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE UMPIRE SELECTION REJECTED BY COURT
Addressing the method of appointing a tie-breaking umpire-arbitrator in a series of reinsurance coverage arbitrations commenced by insurer Arrowood Indemnity Company, the Southern District of New York recently ordered that the parties’ already chosen arbitrators follow the steps provided in the “excess of loss” reinsurance agreements in selecting the third arbitrator. Although the relevant reinsurance treaties specified a method for such selection, Arrowood sought an alternative approach, which included the nomination by each party of up to eight candidates and a voir dire-like objection and selection process. However, the Court, acting under authority granted by Section 5 of the Federal Arbitration Act, denied that alternative, ordering that the present arbitrators select an umpire in accordance with the treaties’ requirements. Then, the Court would regard that selection as “presumptively appropriate,” albeit rebuttable, for appointment by the Court as umpire for the remaining arbitrations of the series. Employers Insurance Co. of Wausau v. Arrowood Indemnity Co., No. 12-cv-08005-LLS (USDC S.D.N.Y. Oct. 25, 2013).
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