If the arbitration is mandatory and binding, the parties waive their rights to use the court system and have a judge or jury decide the case. If the arbitrator's award is unfair or illogical, a consumer may well be stuck with it without a chance for recourse.
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.
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.
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.
Arbitration in Business Disputes: Avoid These Five Mistakes Mistake #1: Failing to Seek Legal Advice. Mistake #2: Not Paying Attention to the Selection of the Arbitrator. Mistake #3: Underestimating Witnesses. Mistake #4: Failing to Prepare Your Witnesses and Yourself. Mistake #5: Failing to Prepare Evidence.
If you've been sued for a debt, check your credit card agreement for an arbitration clause and file a Motion to Compel Arbitration into the case to avoid going to court. To find your arbitration clause, read the fine print, look for dispute resolution key terms, and utilize the CFPB's credit card agreement database.
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.
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.
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.