Counter-Memorial

Term from Arbitration industry explained for recruiters

A Counter-Memorial is a formal written response document in legal arbitration cases. Think of it like a defense statement that responds to claims made by the other party. When one party files a Memorial (their main legal argument), the other side responds with a Counter-Memorial to present their opposing views and evidence. It's similar to how in regular court cases you have a complaint and then a defense response, but Counter-Memorials are specifically used in international arbitration and tend to be much more detailed and comprehensive.

Examples in Resumes

Drafted Counter-Memorial in response to $50M investment arbitration claim

Led research team of 5 associates in preparing Counter-Memorial submissions

Coordinated with expert witnesses to compile evidence for Counter-Memorial defense

Typical job title: "International Arbitration Lawyers"

Also try searching for:

Arbitration Associate International Arbitration Counsel Arbitration Attorney Investment Treaty Lawyer International Dispute Resolution Lawyer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you manage a large Counter-Memorial preparation with multiple stakeholders?

Expected Answer: Should discuss project management skills, coordinating between expert witnesses, local counsel, and client teams, setting timelines, and ensuring quality control of the final submission.

Q: What strategies do you use to make complex Counter-Memorial arguments persuasive?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to structure arguments clearly, use evidence effectively, and present technical information in a way that arbitrators can easily understand.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key elements that must be included in a Counter-Memorial?

Expected Answer: Should mention factual background, legal arguments, expert evidence, response to opposing party's claims, and proper citation of legal authorities and evidence.

Q: How do you ensure consistency between written submissions and oral arguments in arbitration?

Expected Answer: Should discuss maintaining clear themes throughout submissions, organizing evidence effectively, and preparing strategic responses to opponent's key arguments.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between a Memorial and a Counter-Memorial?

Expected Answer: Should explain that a Memorial is the initial submission presenting a party's case, while a Counter-Memorial is the response document addressing and defending against those claims.

Q: What research skills are important when preparing a Counter-Memorial?

Expected Answer: Should discuss ability to find relevant cases and legal precedents, fact-checking, and organizing information from various sources into a coherent document.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-3 years)

  • Legal research and writing
  • Document review and analysis
  • Citation checking and formatting
  • Supporting senior lawyers in drafting sections

Mid (3-6 years)

  • Drafting major sections of Counter-Memorials
  • Managing document production
  • Coordinating with expert witnesses
  • Legal argument development

Senior (6+ years)

  • Leading Counter-Memorial strategy
  • Managing large arbitration teams
  • Direct client communication
  • Complex legal argument construction

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with international arbitration procedures
  • Poor writing and analytical skills
  • Lack of attention to detail in legal documents
  • Unable to work with tight deadlines
  • No experience with cross-border disputes