Arbitration Overview

Arbitration is a low-cost alternative to pursuing a lawsuit. In an arbitration setting, you and the other involved party select a neutral third person to serve as an arbitrator. Acting in the role of an informal judge, the arbitration lawyer listens to both sides of your dispute. Unlike a court proceeding, arbitration involves no formal procedural rules and gives you a chance to tell your story in your own words. After hearing the arguments, the arbitrator makes a final binding decision.

In some cases—such as when labor unions negotiate contracts with companies but can't agree on terms—arbitration may be the required course of action. In other cases, mediation simply may be desirable to avoid the expense and time-delays of a court trial.