Arbitration. The arbitration system in Allegheny County is compulsory non-binding arbitration with a ceiling of $50,000 on civil damage awards.
Necessary Elements Details of the Parties. Details of the relationship between the parties. Demand for Arbitration. The mention of agreement/contract (if any). The mention of already existing arbitration agreement between the parties pursuant to which the concerned notice of arbitration has been sent (if any).
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
Often, rules and awards are also available via the arbitral bodies' website. Westlaw's International Arbitration Materials provides access to cases, awards, rules, conventions, legislation, model laws, and more for practicing U.S. lawyers.
How to Use Arbitration Awards Online. You can search for awards by Case ID, Keyword, Name, Date of Award (by date range), Forum, Document Type, Panel Composition, or a combination of search parameters. Awards can be viewed online, printed, or downloaded as text-searchable PDF files.
Arbitration sessions are open to the public as are most court proceedings. Mediations, however, are private and confidential and are not open to the public. If an arbitration hearing is converted to mediation with the consent of the parties, only the litigants will be allowed to remain in the hearing room.
During the arbitration hearing, each side lays out their points and presents the evidence they have. But unlike the typical courtroom setting, the procedures are different, and the arbitration proceedings stay confidential.
Arbitrators and mediators also play an important role in protecting personal confidential information. They have a duty to: Keep confidential all information obtained in connection with an arbitration or mediation. Transport and store, of case materials in a manner that preserves the confidentiality of the information.
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.