N.Y. Civil Practice Law & Rules § 7555: Screening for bias; communication with arbitrator candidates

§ 7555. Screening for bias; communication with arbitrator candidates.

(a) Prior to inclusion on a list of proposed associate arbitrators, the

arbitration administrator shall make an appropriate initial screening

for bias and shall require associate arbitrator candidates for a

particular case to complete a current personal disclosure statement

under oath. In addition to other relevant information, the statement

shall disclose any personal acquaintance with any of the parties or

their counsel and the nature of such acquaintance. If the statement

reveals facts which suggest the possibility of partiality, the

arbitration administrator shall communicate those facts to the parties.

(b) No party shall communicate with an associate arbitrator candidate,

directly or indirectly, except through the arbitration administrator, at

any time after the filing of the demand for arbitration. Any candidate

who is aware of such communication shall immediately notify the

arbitration administrator.