In arbitration, you don't have to have a lawyer represent you (unless state law requires it), but it's important to know that arbitration is a final and binding process that can affect your rights. So, if you are considering representing yourself, it's a good idea to talk to a lawyer.
If the arbitration is mandatory and binding, the parties waive their rights to use the court system and have a judge or jury decide the case. If the arbitrator's award is unfair or illogical, a consumer may well be stuck with it without a chance for recourse.
Arbitration in Business Disputes: Avoid These Five Mistakes Mistake #1: Failing to Seek Legal Advice. Mistake #2: Not Paying Attention to the Selection of the Arbitrator. Mistake #3: Underestimating Witnesses. Mistake #4: Failing to Prepare Your Witnesses and Yourself. Mistake #5: Failing to Prepare Evidence.
If you've been sued for a debt, check your credit card agreement for an arbitration clause and file a Motion to Compel Arbitration into the case to avoid going to court. To find your arbitration clause, read the fine print, look for dispute resolution key terms, and utilize the CFPB's credit card agreement database.
Arguments should flow easily from the relevant facts and applicable law. Avoid exaggerating the strengths of your case as well as disparaging the opposing side. Remember that professionalism and credibility are critical to persuasiveness.
If possible, avoid the use of technical jargon or "shop talk." Remember that the arbitrator may not know the details of your work or the Postal Service. However, if you must use "shop talk" to clarify a point, be sure to briefly define what you mean.
The pure “costs follow the event” rule (the loser pays all costs and fees). The pro rata “costs follow the event” rule (the loser pays costs and fees in proportion with the outcome). The parties share costs and fees equally, or share costs equally with fees borne by each side.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
Usually such agreements provide that you have no right to go outside the arbitration system and present your claims to the public courts. In forced arbitration situations, your job may depend on accepting such a provision: your only other choice is to not take the job.
Either Party to a contract in which there is an Arbitration clause can either himself or through an authorised agent may invoke Arbitration so as to refer the dispute to arbitration, as per provisions of the arbitration clause.