Are arbitration results confidential?

Asked by: Ms. Rafaela Fritsch  |  Last update: July 23, 2025
Score: 5/5 (67 votes)

Arbitration is private in that it is a closed process, but it is not confidential because information revealed during the process may become public.”). confidentiality will be determined to a large degree by rules promulgated by arbitration administrators and provisions of the parties' contract.

Are arbitration decisions confidential?

While it is true that arbitration is generally private because the public is excluded from the arbitration hearing, it does not follow that the arbitration proceedings remain confidential.

Are arbitration findings public?

Are arbitrations and mediations public? Arbitration sessions are open to the public as are most court proceedings. Mediations, however, are private and confidential and are not open to the public.

Are arbitration results private?

While arbitrations are held behind closed-doors and remain shielded from non-parties absent consent by both the parties and the Panel, the onus to maintain confidentiality is only on the arbitrators themselves—not the parties. There must be a clear agreement to maintain confidentiality.

Are arbitration awards publicly available?

Once the award is signed by a majority of the arbitrators, FINRA will send copies of the signed award to each party or representative of the party. FINRA makes all arbitration awards publicly available for free by posting them on Arbitration Awards Online.

Confidentiality in Arbitration

20 related questions found

Is arbitration private or public?

Confidentiality: Unlike public court hearings, arbitration proceedings are private. This is often an important factor for those who want to keep the details of a dispute confidential.

How to check arbitration award online?

How to Use Arbitration Awards Online. You can search for awards by Case ID, Keyword, Name, Date of Award (by date range), Forum, Document Type, Panel Composition, or a combination of search parameters. Awards can be viewed online, printed, or downloaded as text-searchable PDF files.

Who usually wins in arbitration?

An empirical study conducted by economic firm ndp | analytics and released by ILR shows that employees and consumers win more money, more often, and more quickly in arbitration than in a lawsuit. Employees were more likely to win in arbitration (almost 38 percent) than in a lawsuit (almost 11 percent).

What are the exceptions to arbitration confidentiality?

Some of the reasons would include: winning parties may be tempted to reveal proceedings or awards to non- parties and statutory bodies, a party may have to disclose to comply with legal regulations, police enquiries or insurance policies, expert witnesses may engage third party assistance in producing reports who would ...

Are arbitration decisions a matter of public record?

Additionally, any other legal processes requiring the filing of the arbitration decision with a court – such as in the case of disputes over the arbitration process itself or challenges to the arbitrator's authority – would also make the decision a matter of public record.

What happens after you win arbitration?

If you win the case

At the end of the case, the arbitrator makes an award. The arbitrator can decide that the other party should also pay your fee for registering the claim for arbitration. This has to be agreed when the arbitrator is appointed. You may also be entitled to any interest on the claim.

Is discovery available during arbitration?

Section 5/7(a) of the UAA codifies an arbitrator's right to allow the parties to conduct discovery in arbitration proceedings, stating that "the arbitrator may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and for the production of documents and other evidence . . ." Section 5/7(a) goes even further to ensure that ...

Are arbitration agreements public?

Depending on the provisions of the arbitration agreement, the facts and evidence presented in arbitration is not a matter of public record, which may be advantageous to some employers.

What voids an arbitration?

As a general rule, only strong evidence of duress or fraud are sufficient to invalidate an arbitration clause. It is worth noting that many state courts will to set aside arbitration agreements where the parties have vastly disparate bargaining power (such as between employers and employees).

What is the protection of confidentiality in arbitration?

Unlike court cases, where records are typically public, arbitral proceedings being inherently confidential aid in protecting trade secrets, sensitive business information, and the reputations of the parties involved. Furthermore, confidentiality is pivotal in fostering a conducive atmosphere for settlement.

What matters are not allowed in arbitration?

1 of Act 49 of 1996.] A reference to arbitration shall not be permissible in respect of- (a) any matrimonial cause or any matter incidental to any such cause; or (b) any matter relating to status.

Are arbitration results public?

In addition, most arbitration providers' rules require confidentiality from the arbitrator and the providers, but not the parties or their attorneys. So, in order to keep an arbitration confidential, all parties should include confidentiality in their arbitration clause.

Is arbitration really confidential?

Parties to an arbitration generally may publicize the proceedings and certain information learned during the arbitration unless institutional arbitration rules, applicable state law, or the parties' agreement require the parties to keep the arbitration proceedings confidential (see How to Ensure Arbitration Proceedings ...

What are the 3 main exceptions to the confidentiality issue?

Exceptions to the Duty of Confidentiality
  • Waiver. A person who confides in a professional can waive the protection of professional secrecy. ...
  • In Case of Danger. ...
  • Committing a Crime. ...
  • Infectious Diseases. ...
  • Inspection and Investigation by Professional Orders. ...
  • Search for the Truth. ...
  • Protection of Children.

What not to say during arbitration?

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.

Is it better to settle or go to arbitration?

An arbitration hearing is far more private. It only involves you, the other party, and a few neutral third parties. Arbitration is the better choice if your case has anything to do with intellectual property, trade secrets, or other confidential information.

What are two disadvantages of arbitration?

If one party feels the decision is erroneous, there is very limited opportunity to correct it. There are many cases in which arbitration can become more expensive than court proceedings. Quality arbitrators can demand substantial fees that would not apply in court.

Are arbitration awards private?

FINRA Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) takes steps to protect parties' personal confidential information throughout the arbitration and mediation process. Except for arbitration awards, which are publicly available, the documents and information in DRS case files are confidential.

What are my chances of winning arbitration?

Odds of winning in employment arbitration

For example, an employee complained that she's been biased and unfair. For example, research by Colvin reveals employees win 36.4 percent of discrimination cases in federal court and 43.8 percent in state court, but only 21.4 percent in arbitration.

What happens after an arbitration award is confirmed?

Once an arbitral award is confirmed, the judgment is docketed, which means that it has the same force and effect as any other civil judgment. In most cases, arbitration awards are confirmed and entered as judgments without adverse party opposition.