Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings. It should be noted the Additional Facility Rules do not contain an analogous provision.
FINRA requires investors and other parties to file their arbitration claims via the DR Portal—except for investors representing themselves, who have the option to file by mail. If you are new to the DR Portal, please create an account. Login to the DR Portal and select “File a New Arbitration Claim” in the left column.
Once parties enter into an arbitration agreement, they are generally bound by its terms, including the commitment to resolve their dispute through the arbitration process. However, there are limited circumstances under which you might exit the arbitration or change the arbitrator.
The short answer is yes. No set of institutional rules prevents a party from abandoning claims it has raised in an arbitration. But there could be important implications to think through, depending on when the withdrawal occurs, and what else has occurred in the proceedings.
In ICSID proceedings, a request for arbitration can be unilaterally withdrawn only before its registration. Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
Be on your best behavior But be prepared to wait for your case to be called. Your judge will be hearing several other cases on the same day as yours. If your case is called and you are not there, the judge may dismiss it. Show respect to the judge by calling him or her “your honor." Don't use profanity.
The Small Claims Hearing When submitting evidence, you must complete form LASC CIV 278 and use LASC CIV 279 mailing labels. You will have to provide proof that the other parties were sent copies of your evidence. You can get this from the Post Office at the time you mail these forms.
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.