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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
Writing an Opening Statement at a Glance Write compelling introductory remarks that grab your audience's attention, summarize the topic, and explain why it's so important. Introduce the people, places, and events involved in the case. Identify the points of contention.
Closing argument should tell the tribunal what actually happened at the hearing, take account of the full record as the evidence closes, and explain why the position laid out on opening was confirmed and vindicated. There can be no question that cases will develop during a hearing, sometimes substantially so.