Most arbitrators and academics have long understood that, absent terms to the contrary in the agreement providing for arbitration, the traditional rules of evidence do not apply, and certainly do not strictly apply, in arbitration.
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.
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.
All evidence must be taken in the presence of the arbitrator and all parties, except where any of the parties has waived the right to be present or is absent after due notice of the hearing.
What are the most persuasive ways to present evidence during arbitration? Know the rules. Prepare your evidence. Be the first to add your personal experience. Present your evidence. Be the first to add your personal experience. Answer questions. Respect the arbitrator. Follow up. Here's what else to consider.
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.
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.
The FAA applies to any contract “evidencing a transaction involving commerce” that is subject to a written agreement to arbitrate.
The FAA applies to the parties' agreement to arbitrate disputes whether or not it is expressly mentioned in that agreement — and is presumed to preempt the state law selected in a general choice-of-law provision unless the contract expressly evidences the parties' clear intent that state arbitration law applies in ...