A mandatory arbitration hearing is a legal proceeding for certain types of civil cases where the plaintiff is asking for money damages only. It is a formal process where parties select a neutral third party, called an arbitrator, to resolve a dispute.In essence, arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that serves as a substitute for traditional litigation in court. Arbitration has long been the dispute resolution method of choice for transactions that cross international borders. An arbitration agreement is a contract between parties to submit future or existing disputes to arbitration. An arbitration agreement will oust the jurisdiction of the Courts. The English Courts will uphold and enforce agreements to arbitrate. Self-representation means representing yourself in a legal matter, such as an arbitration case. Arbitration is a means of settling disputes outside of court. However, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, cases are not initially filed as arbitration cases.