Arbitration is a mandatory but non-binding informal hearing where a neutral arbitrator, or panel of arbitrators, is selected to hear the evidence in your case. The Law Division Mandatory Arbitration program is an alternative dispute resolution process for civil suits seeking money damages.The US Supreme Court held that district courts must stay, rather than dismiss, cases when the underlying claims are subject to mandatory arbitration. The union is challenging the rulings that arbitration proceedings be open to the public and that accused officers may be suspended without pay. On May 16, 2024, the Court decided Smith v. Chicago Police Board Rejects Union's Call to Move Some Officer Disciplinary Cases to Arbitration. The case is stayed pending arbitration. Meanwhile, the Western District of Texas considered dismissal for failure to prosecute an arbitration in two separate cases. While litigation is sometimes the best option, we believe there are alternatives that are more effective and lead to better outcomes in many cases. Chicago's NPR News Source.