Arbitration is a mandatory but non-binding informal hearing where a neutral arbitrator, or panel of arbitrators, is selected to hear the evidence in your case. Arbitrators are knowledgeable, impartial practicing attorneys or retired judges.
A clause that requires arbitration is known as a mandatory arbitration clause. Today's question is: Are such clauses enforceable in Illinois? The short answer is yes, and the long answer doesn't really change much.
If the contract is valid, the court will look to the arbitration provision. As long as the parties understood that they were giving up their right to resolve their dispute in court, including having a jury decide the facts of their case, a court will most likely uphold the arbitration provision.
Arbitration agreements are generally enforceable in all 50 states; particularly in commercial settings between sophisticated parties. However, courts in many states are hostile to “fine print” arbitration agreements, particularly between employers and employees.
An arbitration clause precludes your disgruntled client from filing suit against you or your company. Instead, the unhappy client must commence an arbitration action with the arbitrator specified in the agreement, often the American Arbitration Association (AAA).
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.
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.
Parties will need to provide material evidence during the arbitration process. Some arbitrators may require that some types of evidence (such as invoices, pictures, and party correspondence) be presented in a specific format, such as in a binder and labeled in a certain order.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.