Joshua Karton

Joshua Karton is Professor and Associate Dean (Graduate Studies and Program Development) at Queen's University Faculty of Law since 2009, overseeing non-JD programs and new academic initiatives. A globally recognized scholar in commercial dispute resolution, he holds degrees from Yale (BA), Columbia (JD), and Cambridge (PhD), with additional qualifications as a Qualified Arbitrator from the ADR Institute of Canada.

His educational background includes:

• BA in Law, Yale University
• JD, Columbia Law School
• PhD in Law, University of Cambridge

Karton's research explores intersections of legal, cultural, and linguistic diversity in international arenas, with interdisciplinary work blending sociological theories and legal analysis. His acclaimed monograph The Culture of International Arbitration and the Evolution of Contract Law (2013) established foundational insights into arbitration's social dynamics, while his current SSHRC-funded project Contracts All the Way Down develops a contractarian theory of arbitration law.

His publications reveal consistent focus on arbitration methodology, cross-border dispute resolution, and contract law evolution across jurisdictions, with increasing emphasis on empirical analysis of practitioner behavior in commercial arbitration.

Professional recognitions include:

• 2023 Vancouver International Arbitration Centre Award
• SSHRC Insight Grant for arbitration theory research
• IBA Task Force appointments on privilege and res judicata
• ADR Institute of Canada Academic Advisory Panel membership

As an educator, Karton received Queen's Law Student Society Award for Teaching Excellence and coaches Vis Moot teams to international success. He actively bridges academia and practice through roles as independent arbitrator, expert witness, and faculty member for Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society's 'Gold Standard' course. His leadership extends to editorial roles including Managing Editor of the Canadian Journal of Commercial Arbitration and General Editor of Kluwer Arbitration Practical Insights.

Karton maintains significant institutional engagement through the Africa Arbitration Academy advisory board, Vis East Foundation directorship, and ongoing ESRC-funded empirical study of European commercial arbitration practices.