What are the steps in the arbitration process?

Asked by: Clint Berge  |  Last update: December 11, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (6 votes)

There are typically seven stages of the arbitration process:
  1. Claimant Files a Claim. ...
  2. Respondent Submits Answer. ...
  3. Parties Select Arbitrators. ...
  4. Parties Attend Initial Prehearing Conference. ...
  5. Parties Exchange Discovery. ...
  6. Parties Attend Hearings. ...
  7. Arbitrators Deliberate and Render Award.

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 5 steps of arbitration?

To give you an idea of the process that arbitration typically involves, the American Arbitration Association describes artibtration as having five main steps:
  • Filing and initiation. ...
  • Arbitrator selection. ...
  • Preliminary hearing. ...
  • Information exchange and preparation. ...
  • Hearings. ...
  • Post hearing submissions. ...
  • Award.

What is the process of an arbitration agreement?

Arbitration is a dispute resolution mechanism agreed on by parties, which involves the appointment of one or more ar- bitrators to preside over and to make a final decision on a dispute between two or more parties – instead of approaching a court of law to resolve the dispute.

How many stages are there in arbitration?

There are several stages of arbitration that parties must go through. The first stage is the pre-arbitration stage, in which the parties agree to arbitration and select an arbitrator. The second stage is the pre-hearing stage, in which the parties prepare for the hearing.

Stages of the Arbitration Process

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What is the procedure for arbitration?

Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute. In choosing arbitration, the parties opt for a private dispute resolution procedure instead of going to court.

How long does the average arbitration take?

Arbitration is similar to going to court, but faster, cheaper and less complex than litigation. If the case settles, an arbitration will last around one year. If the case goes to hearing, an arbitration typically takes 16 months.

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.

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.

Can you decline arbitration?

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.

How long after arbitration is settlement?

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?

What are two disadvantages of arbitration?

Cons:
  • Limited Appeal Options: One of the most significant downsides of arbitration is that it offers very limited options for appeal. ...
  • Potentially Less Oversight: The informal nature of the arbitration process could lead to less regulatory oversight, making it crucial to choose a reputable arbitrator.

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.

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 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 happens if one party doesn't agree to arbitration?

Seeking a Court Order: In some cases, the party seeking arbitration may file a motion with the court, asking the court to compel the non-participating party to participate in the arbitration process.

How much does AAA arbitrator charge per hour?

Anecdotal and off-the-record conversations suggest that AAA arbitrators charge as little as $300 and as much as $1,150 an hour (with a few “superstars” charging significantly more) and that rates tend to be highest in the largest markets of New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

What if you can't afford arbitration?

After a party is compelled into arbitration by court order and is unable to pay the arbitrator fees, upon return to court, cases have held the matter can proceed in trial and/or the other party can pay the arbitrator fees.

Who goes first in arbitration?

In most cases, the party that started the arbitration initially by filing a claim will present their case first and the opposing party will then have an opportunity to present their defense, but the arbitrator will ultimately decide the order.

What is the next step after arbitration?

A party may wait for the results, or phone the Arbitration Center for the results. The award will then be filed with the respective Office of the Circuit Clerk. The Circuit Clerk will mail the Award of Arbitrators and a Notice of Award to all parties. The Notice of Award will provide the next court date for the case.

How do you answer a request for arbitration?

Under most arbitration rules, an Answer or Response to a Request for Arbitration must include the respondent's name and contact details, the name and contact details of its representative, its preliminary comments on the dispute, its response to the relief sought by the claimant, its observations and proposals ...

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 is the average cost of arbitration?

The business filing fee is $200 for a decision without a hearing, $300 for one arbitrator, and $425 for three arbitrators, with a $1400 case management fee for one arbitrator, $1775 for three arbitrators, and a $500 hearing fee. Arbitrator fees are $1500 for no hearing and $2500 for a hearing.

Does arbitration hold up in court?

Recently, the Supreme Court has held arbitration agreements to be valid in many consumer contracts. The Court opined that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) establishes liberal federal policy favoring arbitration agreements, and such agreements may only be overridden when there is a contrary Congressional command.