Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
There are typically seven stages of the arbitration process: Claimant Files a Claim. The first step for parties who want to file an arbitration claim is to submit the following to FINRA. Respondent Submits Answer. Parties Select Arbitrators. Parties Attend Initial Prehearing Conference. Parties Exchange Discovery.
The five most preferred seats for arbitration are London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva.
The Scope of the Clause. This section of the clause is critical; it sets the boundaries for which disputes the tribunal is authorised to determine. Choice of Rules. The Number of Arbitrators. Appointing Authority. Choice of Venue. The language of the proceedings. Finality. Exclusion of the right of appeal.
Without a valid arbitration agreement, no arbitration can take place or award can be rendered. In other words, a valid arbitration agreement is the cornerstone of any arbitration proceedings. Townsend, J.M., Drafting Arbitration Clauses: Avoiding the 7 Deadly Sins, Dispute Resolution Journal, 2003, p. 1.
By signing an arbitration agreement, employees give up their rights to have a jury hear and decide their case. There can often be an advantage to having an employment dispute heard before a jury, as jurors may be more sympathetic to the employee's plight.
Arbitration is actually pretty useful. It can make complaints that would take years happen rather quickly (comparatively). It is really up to you but arbitration is not a bad thing. The downside is you won't get a jury trial or something like that in the case of something really bad happening.
Arbitration tends to be less expensive than litigation because it typically involves fewer procedural hurdles and streamlined processes. Additionally, arbitration can be faster, often resolving disputes more quickly than court cases, which can drag on for years. Another advantage is confidentiality.
Should you sign an arbitration agreement? If you agree to engage in a possible future arbitration voluntarily, mutually determine the ground rules of arbitration and agree to choose an impartial arbitrator together, you are likely to find arbitration to be not only inexpensive and fast but also fair.
Pros of Arbitration Minimizes Hostility. Usually Cheaper Than Litigation. Faster Than Litigation. More Flexible. Simplified Rules of Evidence and Procedure. More Privacy. No Right to Appeal. Uneven Playing Field.