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. Arbitrators are knowledgeable, impartial practicing attorneys or retired judges.
In some instances, you may be able to sue if you signed a valid arbitration agreement. While courts generally favor arbitration agreements, they will allow you to file a lawsuit if either you didn't understand your rights or your claims fall outside the arbitration provision's scope.
A clause that requires arbitration is known as a mandatory arbitration clause. Today's question is: Are such clauses enforceable in Illinois? The short answer is yes, and the long answer doesn't really change much.
Arbitration might be the right choice for some cases. Limited discovery rights and costs might be useful when less is at stake. Arbitration might feel less adversarial, which could be an advantage where ongoing relationships are hoped to be preserved. Arbitration lends some confidentiality.
If neither party appeals the decision, it will be binding, like an order by a judge. However, a party unhappy with the arbitrator's decision can request a new trial before a judge.
There are some benefits to arbitration if something goes wrong for you alone because it can be easier and faster to navigate than going to court. That being said, if you would prefer to have access to class action lawsuits, then opting out might be the better option for you.
Settlement by agreement is the cheapest option and gives you the most control. Both mediation and arbitration are expensive, and arbitration is usually binding, so the ultimate decision is out of your control.
Arbitration might be the right choice for some cases. Limited discovery rights and costs might be useful when less is at stake. Arbitration might feel less adversarial, which could be an advantage where ongoing relationships are hoped to be preserved. Arbitration lends some confidentiality.
If the arbitration agreement is claimed to be invalid based on reasons such as error, fraud, or threat, the validity of the arbitration agreement will be governed by the law chosen by the parties, and in the absence of a choice of law, the law of the place of arbitration applied.