Good arbitrators have experience in running an arbitration hearing, excellent analytic and reasoning skills, good writing skills, and an ability to quickly learn complex matters. Good arbitrators sell "curable ignorance." The subject matter of your dispute may mean that you want specific expertise in the arbitrator. For instance, cases involving pension trust funds may be better handled by an arbitrator with knowledge of pensions law, such as the Employer Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"), while complex technical disputes involving material chemistry may best be handled by a person familiar with the field.