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. The Arbitration Statement is not established fact, just your assessment of the material.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
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.
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.
Because of limited discovery, lack of a jury, and limited appeal rights, arbitration outcomes are riskier and more final than court litigation. It is hard to see why arbitration would be fairer than court litigation. Arbitration is litigation, just not in court.
Even if there were no pre-hearing briefs, keep your open- ing short, providing an executive sum- mary of your case in chronological order without getting into the weeds. Try to sum up some key points in phraseology the arbitrator will remember. If you have compelling evidence, mention it.
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.
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. The Arbitration Statement is not established fact, just your assessment of the material.