What happens in an arbitration hearing?

Asked by: Turner Skiles  |  Last update: March 22, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (10 votes)

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.

What to expect during an arbitration hearing?

Hearing Stage: During this stage, the parties present their case to the arbitrator. This process can take place in person, over the telephone, or by the parties submitting written documents. The parties' arbitration agreement and the applicable Rules that govern the case will dictate the process.

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).

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.

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 arbitration?

30 related questions found

How do I prepare for an arbitration hearing?

But first, let's get some context.
  1. What is arbitration? ...
  2. #1: Understand the arbitration agreement deeply. ...
  3. #2: Understand the applicable rules. ...
  4. #3: Conduct preliminary research and gather information. ...
  5. #4: Know your arbitrator. ...
  6. #5: Prepare your client. ...
  7. #6: Draft the opening statement. ...
  8. #7: Manage the hearing day.

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 biggest problem of arbitration?

Disadvantages
  • Questionable Fairness. Mandatory arbitration. ...
  • Finality: No appeals. While this may be a positive if you find the arbitration decision favorable, you should be aware that if arbitration is binding, both sides give up their right to an appeal. ...
  • Can be more expensive. ...
  • Unpredictability: Unconventional outcomes.

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.

Why do lawyers want to settle out of court?

Settlements are generally faster, less costly, ensure privacy, and are less stressful compared to trials. Trials may lead to higher compensation and public accountability for the defendant but involve uncertainties and higher costs.

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.

Who pays arbitration fees?

Party arbitrator fees and expenses required by a pre-dispute arbitration agreement are to be paid entirely by the party selecting and retaining the party arbitrator.

What are two disadvantages of arbitration?

The disadvantages of arbitration
  • Both sides give up their right to an appeal, which means one party could end up feeling slighted.
  • If the matter is complicated but the amount of money involved is modest, the arbitrator's fee may make arbitration uneconomical.

What is the final outcome of an arbitration hearing?

Award Stage: The arbitrator closes the hearing once all evidence is submitted. A written award outlining the case outcome is then prepared and distributed to the parties, concluding the process.

What do you wear to an arbitration hearing?

Men should wear closed-toe shoes and a collared shirt. Women can choose closed-toe shoes and modest, well-tailored clothing. Avoid overly casual items like jeans or sneakers. Conservative colors are also a safe bet.

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 happens if you refuse arbitration?

Section 4 of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) says "a party aggrieved by the alleged failure, neglect or refusal of another to arbitrate under a written agreement for arbitration may petition any U.S. district court ... for an order directing that such arbitration proceed in the manner provided for in such agreement."

Why is arbitration better than going to court?

Arbitration tends to be less expensive than litigation because it typically involves fewer procedural hurdles and streamlined processes. Additionally, arbitration can be faster, often resolving disputes more quickly than court cases, which can drag on for years. Another advantage is confidentiality.

Can you still sue after arbitration?

In some instances, you may be able to sue if you signed a valid arbitration agreement. While courts generally favor arbitration agreements, they will allow you to file a lawsuit if either you didn't understand your rights or your claims fall outside the arbitration provision's scope.

How long does 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 cannot be solved by arbitration?

Generally, disputes in rem which are regarding a thing or property can't be resolved through arbitration, while disputes in personam regarding a selected person are often.

Why do courts favor arbitration?

“Arbitration (requires) much less discovery, fewer depositions, and a hearing that wouldn't be dissimilar to a judge trial in federal court,” explains Luke Sobota, partner at the law firm Three Crowns and lecturer at Harvard Law School.

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 damages are awarded in arbitration?

In determining damages, arbitration tribunals should be able to ascertain an appropriate level of damages based on such evidence as the parties' negotiations, their prior course of dealing and the course of performance under the contract, as well as the extent to which the respondent knew and understood the ...

What comes after arbitration?

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. On that status date, if no rejection is filed, a party must move for entry of judgment on the award or enter a dismissal order.