Disadvantages Questionable Fairness. Mandatory arbitration. Finality: No appeals. While this may be a positive if you find the arbitration decision favorable, you should be aware that if arbitration is binding, both sides give up their right to an appeal. Can be more expensive. Unpredictability: Unconventional outcomes.
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It allows both sides to present their case in an expedited fashion to a panel of three attorneys who render a decision that same day. 2.
If your case involves factors like privacy concerns, the need for a quicker resolution, or the desire to avoid a public jury trial, arbitration might be an ideal solution. However, if you're worried about the finality of the arbitrator's decision or the potential for bias, you might prefer the traditional court route.
Settlement by agreement is the cheapest option and gives you the most control. Both mediation and arbitration are expensive, and arbitration is usually binding, so the ultimate decision is out of your control.
Arbitration is a way of settling a dispute without having to go to court. You are called the claimant and the party you're taking action against is the respondent. You both put your case to an independent person called an arbitrator.
Most general civil cases valued at $50,000 and under may be ordered to judicial arbitration or to civil, court-ordered mediation (Local Rule 3210 (pdf )). Eligible case types include personal injury, business, contracts, collections, employment, and certain real property matters.
Rule 3.31. Unless otherwise authorized by the court, discovery meet and confer obligations require an in-person, telephonic, or video conference between parties.
Attorneys are Optional Parties may represent themselves at the arbitration hearing. Often they seek prior consultations with attorneys in order to develop a strategy for their presentation or a review of their legal position.
There are typically seven stages of the arbitration process: Claimant Files a Claim. Respondent Submits Answer. Parties Select Arbitrators. Parties Attend Initial Prehearing Conference. Parties Exchange Discovery. Parties Attend Hearings. Arbitrators Deliberate and Render Award.
The arbitrator will explain the process. Each side may present an uninterrupted opening statement setting forth its position as to the facts and the law. After opening statements, the parties present their evidence and witnesses. The arbitrator swears in the witnesses and makes rulings on the admissibility of evidence.