The American Rule (parties generally bear their own costs and fees). The pure “costs follow the event” rule (the loser pays all costs and fees). The pro rata “costs follow the event” rule (the loser pays costs and fees in proportion with the outcome).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Often, rules and awards are also available via the arbitral bodies' website. Westlaw's International Arbitration Materials provides access to cases, awards, rules, conventions, legislation, model laws, and more for practicing U.S. lawyers.
In general, a Request for Arbitration or a Notice of Arbitration must contain the names of each of the parties, the names of the parties' representatives, a description of the dispute giving rise to claims, a statement of the relief sought, a description of the agreement containing the arbitration clause, the choice of ...