A good closing arbitration brief should be a roadmap for the arbitrator, directing them to the facts and law they will need in order to write an award consistent with a fair and lawful resolution of the case.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
Once the arbitrator decides that all of the parties' evidence and arguments have been presented, the arbitrator will close the hearings. This means no more evidence or arguments will be allowed.
If possible, avoid the use of technical jargon or "shop talk." Remember that the arbitrator may not know the details of your work or the Postal Service. However, if you must use "shop talk" to clarify a point, be sure to briefly define what you mean.
At the conclusion of the Evidentiary Hearing, parties or their advocates will be allowed to make closing statements or arguments or submissions. These statements summarize the case of each party, issues, the evidence, the strong points of the party's case and the weak points of the other party.
In your closing argument or brief, you emphasize favorable evidence, rebut the other party's contentions, suggest ways the arbitrator can resolve conflicting evidence, explain the principals involved, and show why you are entitled to a decision in your favor.
In arbitration, you don't have to have a lawyer represent you (unless state law requires it), but it's important to know that arbitration is a final and binding process that can affect your rights. So, if you are considering representing yourself, it's a good idea to talk to a lawyer.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
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.
But, in the absence of an agreement between all parties to end the proceedings, can a claimant unilaterally withdraw from an arbitration that it has commenced? The short answer is yes. No set of institutional rules prevents a party from abandoning claims it has raised in an arbitration.