Given the growing importance of recourse to arbitral justice, Universidade Católica Portuguesa created an Arbitration Centre under Ministerial Order of authorisation no. 30/87 of 9 March. It operates nationally and its scope is of general breadth.

In 2003, following the internal restructuring of Universidade Católica Portuguesa and in line with the School of Law’s renovation project, the bylaws were amended, as authorised by Ministerial Order no. 5285/2003 of 7 March. This amendment preserved and reinforced the interdisciplinary nature that sets Universidade Católica’s Arbitration Centre apart, while adapting it to current realities.

Several arbitrators within the Arbitration Centre earned their doctoral degrees at Universidade Católica in the fields of Law, Economics and Human Sciences. The Centre therefore benefits from the potential of the experience made available through the various Schools within the University.

Furthermore, the Centre also takes advantage of the fact Universidade Católica’s School of Law operates both in Lisbon and Porto, making it possible to convene the arbitral court in both School campuses.