Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside of the courtroom. You may have heard the term “alternative dispute resolution” or “ADR,” which refers to certain processes that help parties resolve their disputes without court intervention. Arbitration in one form of ADR. Another form of ADR is mediation, which is a much different process, but many people confuse the two.
What Arbitration Is: Arbitration is like a private court in that a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, listens to both sides and decides who wins and who loses. Practically speaking, it looks a lot like the court process. Both sides present their cases to the arbitrator and call witnesses. The lawyers for each side get to cross-examine witnesses and admit documents into evidence. At the end of the proceeding, the arbitrator issues a formal decision in writing, and that decision is binding, meaning you and the other party must follow it. To give further weight to the arbitrator’s decision, it is oftentimes submitted to a court for the judge to sign. Importantly, only the decision is presented to the court – no facts of the case, arguments, or evidence will be made public.
It’s especially important to note that the decision usually involves an exchange of money. Arbitration is not available in cases where someone’s liberty is at stake.
What Arbitration Is Not: Arbitration isn’t the default resolution process. Both parties must agree that if any dispute arises between them in the future, they agree to settle the matter through the arbitration process. This agreement must be outlined in a written contract, and most states have specific rules on how the arbitration clause in a contract must be phrased and executed. One deviation could make the clause unenforceable, meaning you end up in court anyway.
Arbitration rules are also less strict than court rules, meaning the process can be more flexible and faster than a court proceeding. Moreover, while it’s ideal for the arbitrator to be truly neutral and an expert in the type of dispute at issue, that’s not always the case. Since there are no formal court rules in place to ensure impartiality and the arbitrator’s expertise, the parties may or may not be able to petition for another arbitrator to hear the case. Furthermore, unlike a jury trial with a judge, there aren’t the same checks and balances built in. The arbitrator possesses all the power over the process and the final decision.
Benefits of Arbitration for Business Owners
Arbitration Saves Time. Going to court can be a long, drawn-out process. It can take months, if not years, to resolve. Court cases are often delayed, and you might be stuck in legal limbo. Arbitration, on the other hand, is designed to be fast and efficient. Arbitrators typically start the process quickly and keep it moving along until the conclusion. This means you spend less time away from running your business.
Arbitration Saves Money. Legal fees can also add up quickly in court cases, especially the longer it takes to reach a resolution. Attorneys charge for their time, and the longer it goes on, the more expensive it becomes. Arbitration is generally less pricey because it avoids many of the formalities of a court case. If your lawyer is charging by the hour, fewer billable hours means lower costs for you.
Arbitration Keeps Your Affairs Confidential. This may be the most enticing reason for choosing arbitration as a dispute resolution method. Court cases are public, which means anyone can look up the details of your dispute. This can be embarrassing and might harm your business reputation. Arbitration, however, is a private process. The hearings aren’t open to the public, and the details aren’t disclosed unless both parties agree. This confidentiality can protect your business’s image and sensitive information.
When to Choose Arbitration
Contract Disputes. Contract disputes are highly technical, and can boil down to the interpretation of one or two words that may seem ordinary to laypeople (juries, for instance), but have specific meanings under the law. But lots of arbitrators are current or former lawyers, and they’ll often be able to parse out the technical details and specific legal terms without explanation or ambiguity.
Employment Issues. Employment disputes, such as disagreements over wages, working conditions, or wrongful termination, can be sensitive and complex. Using arbitration for these issues can help maintain a better relationship with your employees. The confidentiality of arbitration also means that the details of these disputes won’t become public, which can protect both your business and your employees’ privacy.
Business-to-Business Disputes. When you have a conflict with another business, arbitration can help maintain a professional relationship. Since the process is less adversarial than a court case, you’re more likely to reach a resolution that allows both parties to continue working together. This can be especially important if the other business is a key supplier, customer, or partner.
The Importance of Expert Guidance
With arbitration, you can override the default dispute resolution process – court – by simply agreeing to. However, with great opportunity comes great responsibility. The court process has formalities built in to protect the parties, and since arbitration is less formal, you want to be very careful about choosing arbitration to resolve business disputes. After all, a decision against you or your business could mean a big payout to the other party.
As your trusted advisor, we understand the negative impact that conflict can have on you and your business. With our support, you can confidently engage with third parties, safeguard your brand’s reputation, and focus on what you do best—growing your business.
AB Law, PLLC is a full-service business law and estate planning firm that serves clients throughout Texas. All consultations are free and no question is too silly, ridiculous, or complex. https://calendly.com/ablawpllc www.ab-firm.com