Always get straight to the merits without berating the other side or whining about how badly it has treated you. Another threat to your credibility is the “kitchen sink” arbitration demand or a response that includes numerous claims or defenses that have little chance of succeeding.
Your letter of arbitration should be concise, professional, and factual. Follow the standard business letter format, including your name and contact information at the top. Ensure that your writing is clear, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the reader.
Closing argument should tell the tribunal what actually happened at the hearing, take account of the full record as the evidence closes, and explain why the position laid out on opening was confirmed and vindicated. There can be no question that cases will develop during a hearing, sometimes substantially so.
A good closing statement is analogous to the punchline of a joke. It should (1) be memorable and (2) re-present the statement in an unexpected way. It doesn't need to be dramatic, necessarily -- just a new view to leave with your audience.
Closing argument should tell the tribunal what actually happened at the hearing, take account of the full record as the evidence closes, and explain why the position laid out on opening was confirmed and vindicated. There can be no question that cases will develop during a hearing, sometimes substantially so.
In conclusion, an effective opening statement will tell the arbitrator in a concise, courteous fashion exactly what the factual situation in the case is, what the issues are, how the advocate wants the arbitrator to rule on the issues, and exactly what relief is being requested.
A good closing arbitration brief should be a roadmap for the panel, directing them to the facts and law they will need in order to write an award consistent with your view of the fair and lawful resolution of the case.
All parties must mutually agree to utilize the “List and Appointment” service. If the parties are unable to agree on a proposed arbitrator, each party ranks the list of arbitrators in order of preference. The AAA extends an invitation to the highest–ranked mutually agreeable candidate and facilitates a conflicts check.
To give you an idea of the process that arbitration typically involves, the American Arbitration Association describes artibtration as having five main steps: Filing and initiation. Arbitrator selection. Preliminary hearing. Information exchange and preparation. Hearings. Post hearing submissions. Award.
Under CCP § 583.310, an action must be brought to trial within five years after it is commenced against the defendant. An action “commences” on the date the original complaint is filed with the court against the defendant. If other defendants are later added, those actions will have a different date of commencement.