Arbitration agreements have become a common feature in employment contracts across the United States, including California. These agreements require employees to waive their right to sue their employers in court and instead resolve disputes through arbitration.
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.
Arbitration agreements require that persons who signed them resolve any disputes by binding arbitration, rather than in court before a judge and/or jury. What is binding arbitration? Binding arbitration involves the submission of a dispute to a neutral party who hears the case and makes a decision.
There are some benefits to arbitration if something goes wrong for you alone because it can be easier and faster to navigate than going to court. That being said, if you would prefer to have access to class action lawsuits, then opting out might be the better option for you.
An employment arbitration agreement typically asks employees to agree that any disputes will be resolved through arbitration. It can be a standalone document, but it's most often part of a broader employment contract.
Arbitration is where you resolve differences in front of a private arbitrator rather than a lawsuit in a civil court. Arbitration agreements are typically found in your employment contract when you first get hired.
By agreeing to arbitrate, you give up certain rights while also gaining some benefits. For that reason, it's vital to understand the pros and cons ahead of time so that you can make an informed decision when you're asked to sign. Arbitration is a way of resolving a dispute without filing a lawsuit and going to court.
While it is true that arbitration is generally private because the public is excluded from the arbitration hearing, it does not follow that the arbitration proceedings remain confidential.
Arbitrators and mediators also play an important role in protecting personal confidential information. They have a duty to: Keep confidential all information obtained in connection with an arbitration or mediation. Transport and store, of case materials in a manner that preserves the confidentiality of the information.
Often, rules and awards are also available via the arbitral bodies' website. Westlaw's International Arbitration Materials provides access to cases, awards, rules, conventions, legislation, model laws, and more for practicing U.S. lawyers.