How long do arbitration hearings take?
Asked by: Prof. Jamaal Sipes | Last update: July 13, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (29 votes)
The average arbitration hearing discovery process lasts about two months. Then, the arbitration hearing phase will only take one or two weeks, on average. So, the duration of the entire arbitration process is about three months. But sometimes mandatory arbitration clause arbitral proceedings do not take that long.
How long do arbitration hearings usually last?
Most arbitrations take about three hours. If you think your case will take more than five hours, let the arbitrator know before the arbitration starts.
What is the timescale for arbitration?
Simplified Arbitration cases—which are also known as “paper” cases—involve disputes of $50,000 or less. On average, parties who file Simplified cases get a decision within eight months from the date they file their case.
What is the average time for arbitration?
But still, the simple difference in time to resolution is almost startling. Trials in court average over two years. Arbitrations average under a year. Anyone who has done litigation for a while knows that the longer a case lasts, the more you spend.
How long do arbitration proceedings take?
After everyone has presented their case, the tribunal will consider the case and make an award. The arbitrator may make this decision in a day, or it could take considerably longer depending on the complexity of the issues involved. Ideally, the arbitrator should deliver the award within six months.
How long does arbitration take?
What are the odds of winning 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).
Is it better to settle or go to arbitration?
In most cases, arbitration tends to be more cost-effective. While arbitrator's fees can be significant, the overall expenses are generally lower because of limited discovery and quicker resolution.
What to expect in an arbitration hearing?
An arbitration hearing is conducted by a panel of 3 arbitrators and is similar to a bench trial. At the arbitration hearing, the panel will listen to the facts, evidence, and law and at the end of the hearing will deliberate on an award.
How much can you win in arbitration?
Consumers won some relief in 53.3% of the cases they filed and recovered an average of $19,255; business claimants won some relief in 83.6% of their cases and recovered an average of $20,648. The upfront cost of arbitration for consumer claimants in cases administered by the AAA appears to be quite low.
Why is arbitration better than going to court?
Arbitration is often resolved much more quickly than court proceedings, so attorney fees are reduced. Also, there are lower costs in preparing for the arbitration than there are in preparing for a jury trial.
Why is arbitration taking so long?
If there are disagreements about how information is exchanged, this process may take longer. The complexity of the case and the timelines the arbitrator sets will often impact the time needed in this phase.
Who pays for arbitration?
The parties each pay their own costs to conduct their case. Parties will likely not encounter all of the above costs on every case, and the amount of these costs, and which party must pay them, is different depending on the case and the rules that apply.
How long does it take for an arbitrator to make a decision?
Depending on the rules and the parties' arbitration agreement, the date the award must be given to the parties may differ, but it is usually between 14 and 30 days from the close of hearings.
What happens if you lose in arbitration?
What Happens If You Lose in Arbitration? Losing in arbitration means the arbitrator's decision goes against you and the arbitrator may issue an award. This could involve paying money damages, returning property, paying the other party's arbitration or legal fees, or taking some other action.
What is the timeline of arbitration?
12 months - from the date the tribunal enters upon reference. Extendable by 6 months, i.e. to 18 months by mutual consent of the parties. After the expiry of this 12 or 18 month period, as the case may be, parties have to approach the Court for extension of time. Time limit for the arbitral tribunal to pass an award.
How do you win an arbitration hearing?
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.
Who usually wins arbitration?
While juries frequently award hundreds of thousands of dollars for emotional distress, arbitrators generally won't add much for such "soft damages." Arbitration decisions remain private, but it is widely perceived that employers win more often in arbitration and awards are smaller.
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.
Does arbitration lead to settlement?
Arbitration is another route to settlement, but unlike the two options discussed above, where resolution is voluntary, it is typically binding. Arbitration is a private court. Like mediation, the parties must voluntarily agree to enter into arbitration; you cannot be forced into arbitration.
How long does it take to get a settlement after arbitration?
After the briefing is complete, the arbitrator issues a written decision, usually 30-90 days after receipt of the last brief. In all, it may take up to six months from the conclusion of the hearing until the issuance of a decision. unDer What CirCumstanCes Will the Case be settleD?
Who speaks at an arbitration hearing?
The chair will then swear in all of the parties and witnesses in attendance who will testify. The claimant's side is given the opportunity to make an opening statement, followed by a statement from the respondent's side. These statements provide a brief outline of the issues and what the party will try to prove.
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 are the odds of winning in 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.
How long is the arbitration process?
However, when a conciliation matter remains unresolved the party can refer the matter to arbitration. This is a 90-day process.
Should you ever agree to arbitration?
Arbitration might be the right choice for some cases. Limited discovery rights and costs might be useful when less is at stake. Arbitration might feel less adversarial, which could be an advantage where ongoing relationships are hoped to be preserved. Arbitration lends some confidentiality.