Arbitration – A statutory method of resolving disputes between parties, by which disputes are referred to an impartial third person for resolution; a substitute for jury and judge. Arbitrator – The professional who makes a decision based on the evidence and testimony presented by the claimant and the respondent.
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.
There are typically seven stages of the arbitration process: Claimant Files a Claim. Respondent Submits Answer. Parties Select Arbitrators. Parties Attend Initial Prehearing Conference. Parties Exchange Discovery. Parties Attend Hearings. Arbitrators Deliberate and Render Award.
To give you an idea of the process that arbitration typically involves, the American Arbitration Association describes artibtration as having five main steps: Filing and initiation. Arbitrator selection. Preliminary hearing. Information exchange and preparation. Hearings. Post hearing submissions. Award.
An orderly presentation of one's own witnesses, with an outline of the case at hand to make certain that every point is made in the right order, and perhaps a summary of the case presented to the arbitrator in typewritten form to make doubly certain that nothing is forgotten when the time comes to write the decision, ...
After the opening statement, the claimants present evidence, that is, the details of their case. For example, they present witnesses and introduce any relevant documents. If the arbitrators did not swear a witness in at the beginning of a hearing, they will administer the oath before that person testifies.
Always get straight to the merits without berating the other side or whining about how badly it has treated you. Another threat to your credibility is the “kitchen sink” arbitration demand or a response that includes numerous claims or defenses that have little chance of succeeding.
Parties will need to provide material evidence during the arbitration process. Some arbitrators may require that some types of evidence (such as invoices, pictures, and party correspondence) be presented in a specific format, such as in a binder and labeled in a certain order.
But first, let's get some context. What is arbitration? ... #1: Understand the arbitration agreement deeply. #2: Understand the applicable rules. #3: Conduct preliminary research and gather information. #4: Know your arbitrator. #5: Prepare your client. #6: Draft the opening statement. #7: Manage the hearing day.
Your letter of arbitration should be concise, professional, and factual. Follow the standard business letter format, including your name and contact information at the top. Ensure that your writing is clear, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the reader.