Cons: Limited Appeal Options: One of the most significant downsides of arbitration is that it offers very limited options for appeal. Once the arbitrator makes a decision, it's usually final unless there was a substantial legal oversight.
Virginia law provides that parties to a controversy may agree to submit their differences to arbitration, with the stipulation that the award may be returned to and entered as a judgment of a court of the Commonwealth having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the controversy.
For instance, if an arbitration agreement is signed as part of the initial employment contract, your employment can be valid consideration – You give up your rights to potential legal action in exchange for a job. However, what constitutes valid consideration in the employment context varies from state to state.
Hearing. In the arbitration hearing, all sides present their evidence and arguments before the arbitrator. The hearing process is less formal and more flexible than a court trial. The goal is for each side to present witnesses, cross-examine the other party's witnesses, and submit evidence.
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.
Virginia law provides that parties to a controversy may agree to submit their differences to arbitration, with the stipulation that the award may be returned to and entered as a judgment of a court of the Commonwealth having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the controversy.
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.
You can always agree to arbitration later if your lawyer advises you it's a good choice in the particular situation you find yourself in. There's no benefit to you in doing so months or years ahead of time.
Arbitration agreements require that persons who signed them resolve any disputes by binding arbitration, rather than in court before a judge and/or jury. What is binding arbitration? Binding arbitration involves the submission of a dispute to a neutral party who hears the case and makes a decision.
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.