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.
Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute. In choosing arbitration, the parties opt for a private dispute resolution procedure instead of going to court.
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.
After the opening statement, the claimants present evidence, that is, the details of their case. For example, they present witnesses and introduce any relevant documents. If the arbitrators did not swear a witness in at the beginning of a hearing, they will administer the oath before that person testifies.
Arbitration Process A hearing will be held after the discovery, which is conducted by the arbitrator, who is much like a private judge. At or before the hearing, the parties may submit a statement of the case that outlines their view of the facts and arguments in support of their respective positions.
The statement to the Arbitration Committee is the only opportunity you have to make your case for the credit you are seeking. Much like the opening statement in a trial, your arbitration statement should lay out what the “evidence” – the written material – will show regarding the proper credit on the project.
Arbitration Clause Is Enforceable Even If It Does Not Comply Please note that even if an arbitration clause does not comply with the MHIC requirements, it nonetheless is enforceable between the parties.
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.
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.