Closing argument should tell the tribunal what actually happened at the hearing, take account of the full record as the evidence closes, and explain why the position laid out on opening was confirmed and vindicated. There can be no question that cases will develop during a hearing, sometimes substantially so.
A good closing statement is analogous to the punchline of a joke. It should (1) be memorable and (2) re-present the statement in an unexpected way. It doesn't need to be dramatic, necessarily -- just a new view to leave with your audience.
In conclusion, an effective opening statement will tell the arbitrator in a concise, courteous fashion exactly what the factual situation in the case is, what the issues are, how the advocate wants the arbitrator to rule on the issues, and exactly what relief is being requested.
Much like the opening statement in a trial, your arbitration statement should lay out what the “evidence” – the written material – will show regarding the proper credit on the project. The Arbitration Statement is not established fact, just your assessment of the material.
The short answer is, “Yes.” While the Massachusetts courts will deem mandatory arbitration clauses unenforceable in some circumstances, these circumstances generally involve agreements with employees and consumers. In the business-to-business context, the courts will respect the parties' agreement in nearly all cases.
Parties who wish to refer a matter to arbitration shall sign a written agreement to arbitrate which shall be enforceable in ance with the provisions of section one of chapter two hundred and fifty-one.
Of Conflict Resolution 415 (2020). 10 The text of the FAA declares that written provisions in a contract “to settle by arbitration a controversy thereafter arising out of such contract” are “valid, irrevocable, and enforceable.” 9 U.S.C. § 2.
To be “void” the arbitration agreement must be intrinsically defective ing to the usual rules of contract law, including when it is undermined by fraud, undue influence, unconscionability, duress, mistake or misrepresentation, expressly noting that this would be rare.
As in most states, Massachusetts law allows parties to choose arbitration, rather than trial in the court system, to reach final resolution of their disputes. Parties agree on an impartial arbitrator with training and experience in the specific area of law involved in the dispute.