A “submission agreement” (also called an “agreement to arbitrate”) is a written agreement between two parties that establishes the use of arbitration to settle a dispute (or any and all disputes) that may arise between them.
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.
A form of ADR, arbitration involves both parties presenting their case to a neutral third party (an arbitrator) who considers the issues and gives their decision (called an award). An arbitrator has the power to make a range of awards depending on the circumstances of the case. Awards may include: Monetary compensation.
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.
TYPICALLY, THE PARTIES ENTER INTO A 'SUBMISSION AGREEMENT' THAT IDENTIFIES THE PARTIES, DESCRIBES THE DISPUTE TO BE SETTLED, INDICATES THE RELIEF SOUGHT BY EACH OF THE PARTIES, AND PROVIDES FOR ADMINISTRATION, AS UNDER THE RULES OF THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (AAA).
A submission agreement, on the other hand, is an agreement entered into between the parties to submit existing disputes to arbitration. The terms 'arbitration clause' and 'submission agreement' are used throughout this Guide in ance with these descriptions.
We noted that arbitration clauses are made before any dispute arises. Submission agreements, however, are agreements to arbitrate made after the dispute has arisen.
(1) An agreement contained in a record to submit to arbitration any existing or subsequent controversy arising between the parties to the agreement is valid, enforceable, and irrevocable except on a ground that exists at law or in equity for the revocation of a contract.
Top 10 tips for drafting arbitration agreements Introduction. Scope of the arbitration agreement. Seat of the arbitration. Governing law of the arbitration agreement. Choice of rules. Language. Number and appointment of arbitrators. Specifying arbitrator characteristics.