The Benefits of Arbitration in Business Disputes

When running a business, disputes are almost inevitable. That’s why it’s important to understand the benefits of arbitration as a means of resolving these disputes.

Whether it’s a disagreement between partners, a contractual dispute with a supplier or a customer, or a lawsuit from a former employee, arbitration can offer several advantages over traditional litigation in court.

In this blog post, we will comprehensively discuss arbitration, including its pros and cons, and the benefits that every business owner should be aware of. By understanding these advantages, businesses can make informed decisions on how to handle disputes when they arise and determine whether arbitration is the right choice for their specific situation.

What Is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a legal process used to resolve disputes outside of court. The process involves parties agreeing to have a neutral, private third party, known as an arbitrator, make a binding decision on the issues in the dispute.

The parties involved in the arbitration process generally choose the arbitrator themselves or, alternatively, can utilize a “strike list” to select the arbitrator.

Let’s say two companies, Company A and Company B, have a dispute over the quality of goods delivered. Company A claims that Company B provided subpar products that did not meet the agreed-upon specifications. In contrast, Company B insists that they fulfilled their end of the contract.

Rather than taking the matter to court, the two companies agree to arbitration. They choose an arbitrator, who is an expert in the field and has no conflicts of interest with either party. A hearing called an “arbitration” is held wherein the arbitrator fills the role of a judge in the traditional court setting. The arbitrator reviews the evidence, listens to arguments from both sides and ultimately issues a binding decision on the matter.

In this case, the arbitrator has two options. They may order Company B to compensate Company A for the cost of the defective products. Alternatively, the arbitrator may rule in favor of Company B if they find that the products were up to the agreed-upon standards. The decision of the arbitrator is final and binding, and the two companies can move on from the dispute without the time and expense of a court trial.

When is Arbitration Mandatory?

Parties are required to submit their disputes to arbitration when they have consented to a valid arbitration agreement.  While most arbitrations are the result of an arbitration arbitration agreement that is signed before any dispute arises, not all arbitrations are mandatory. The parties may agree to go to arbitration, rather than initiating a lawsuit, after a dispute has arisen. Additionally, parties can also agree to submit to arbitration after a lawsuit has already been initiated.

What Is an Arbitration Agreement?

An arbitration agreement is a legal contract. The agreement can be between two or more parties. The scope of what the arbitration agreement covers depends on the specific language of the arbitration agreement. Generally, an arbitration agreement will require the parties submit certain disputes to arbitration, or, it can require that any dispute between the parties who executed the agreement be resolved by arbitration. Typically, arbitration agreements are included in contracts, such as employment agreements, consumer contracts, and commercial contracts, although they can also be a standalone document.

The terms of the arbitration agreement usually specify the rules and procedures that will be used in the arbitration process, including:

• the selection of an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators,
• the location of the arbitration,
• and the scope of the issues that can be addressed in the arbitration.

The agreement may also specify the amount of damages that can be awarded, the time frame for completing the arbitration, and the arbitration provider that must be utilized.

Arbitration agreements are generally enforceable under the law. The agreement must be agreed upon by the parties and not be unconscionable or illegal. In some cases, courts may refuse to enforce an arbitration agreement if they determine that it is unfair or if it violates public policy.

Overall, arbitration can provide businesses with an effective and efficient way to resolve disputes without the time, expense, and uncertainty associated with litigation. However, it’s important for businesses to carefully review and negotiate the terms of any arbitration agreement before signing, as they can limit the legal options available in the event of a dispute.

Benefits of Arbitration

Arbitration can offer several benefits for businesses in the resolution of disputes:

Flexibility

Arbitration allows parties to tailor the process to their needs and preferences, including:

• selecting an arbitrator with expertise in the relevant area of law,
• selecting the procedural rules that will apply,
• setting a timeline for the arbitration,
• and choosing the location of the proceedings.

This flexibility can help streamline the dispute resolution process and reduce costs.

Speed

Arbitration is often faster than litigation in court. The parties involved can schedule hearings and other proceedings at times that are convenient for them, rather than being subject to the court’s schedule. Additionally, there are often fewer discovery and pre-trial motions in arbitration, which can save time and expense.

Expertise

Arbitrators are often experts in the relevant area of law or industry, including:

• Construction
• Intellectual Property
• Energy
• International Trade
• Banking and Finance
• Employment
• Environmental Law
• Insurance
• Maritime Law

Choosing an expert can result in more informed and knowledgeable decisions. This is particularly valuable in complex business disputes where specialized knowledge is required.

Confidentiality

Arbitration proceedings are typically private and confidential, which can be important for businesses that want to protect sensitive information or avoid negative publicity.

Cost

Litigation in court can be expensive, with legal fees, court costs, and other expenses adding up over time. Arbitration can be more cost-effective, particularly for complex cases that are likely to require a lengthy trial.

However, the cost of arbitration can still be significant, particularly if the dispute involves a large amount of evidence or testimony. It is also worth noting that unlike a judge in Court, the parties must pay the arbitrator a fee for their services.

Finality

In most cases, the decision of the arbitrator is final and binding, with limited options for appeal or review. This can provide a level of certainty and finality that may be lacking in the court system, where appeals can drag on for years.

Preserving Business Relationships

In some cases, businesses may want to maintain a business relationship with the other party after the dispute is resolved. Arbitration can be a more collaborative and less adversarial process than litigation, which can help preserve relationships.

However, arbitration is not always the best option for resolving business disputes. Some disputes may be better suited for litigation, particularly if the parties want to establish legal precedents or if there are complex legal issues involved. Before deciding on arbitration, it’s important to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of all available options and seek advice from legal professionals.

Disadvantages of Arbitration

Limited Appeal Rights

Unlike litigation, where parties have the right to appeal a court’s decision, arbitration awards are generally final and binding. The parties involved cannot appeal the decision of the arbitrator, even if they believe that the decision was based on an error of fact or law.

Arbitration agreements may offer limited rights to appeal. But, they are often narrow and challenging to prove, such as in cases of fraud or misconduct by the arbitrator. As a result, parties who agree to arbitration may be left with little recourse if they are unhappy with the arbitrator’s decision.

This limited right to appeal can be particularly problematic in cases where the stakes are high, such as in complex commercial disputes or cases involving significant sums of money. In these situations, the parties may feel that they are taking a significant risk by agreeing to arbitration. This is because they may be bound by an unfavorable decision without the ability to challenge it on appeal.

Limited Public Record

Arbitration proceedings are usually confidential, and the records are not made public. This lack of public records can be problematic in several ways.

First, it can make it difficult for future parties to assess the arbitrator’s performance or the quality of the arbitration. Since the proceedings are not public, it can be challenging to determine if the arbitrator was fair and impartial. You might not even understand if the arbitration process was effective in resolving the dispute.

Second, it can also prevent the public from learning about important legal issues that arise during the arbitration. Court decisions are often published and become part of legal precedents that can guide future cases. But, with arbitration, the decision is private and cannot be used as a reference point in future disputes.

Third, the lack of public records can also lead to a perception of secrecy and unfairness, especially if the dispute involves a large company or a high-profile individual. When the public has limited access to the proceedings and the outcome, there is a risk of speculation, mistrust, and criticism of the arbitration process.

Limited Discovery

In traditional litigation, the discovery process allows both parties to gather evidence and information to build their case. However, in arbitration, discovery can be limited by the arbitration agreement, meaning that the parties would not be entitled to the same amount of information as they would in court.

This limited discovery can be a problem because it can prevent a party from obtaining all the evidence necessary to present a strong case. For instance, in arbitration, a party may not be able to obtain relevant documents from the opposing party if the arbitrator considers them unnecessary for the case.

While discovery may be limited in arbitration, it need not be. Generally, the scope of discovery in arbitration is controlled by the language of the arbitration agreement. In negotiating an arbitration agreement, the parties can always agree that California discovery and/or procedural rules will apply.

Arbitration vs Litigation

Arbitration can be utilized in a variety of situations, such as disputes between companies and consumers, employment disputes, and disagreements between businesses. For instance, if a company and a consumer have a dispute over a product, they might choose to submit the matter to arbitration instead of going to court.

An attorney with experience in alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration, can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They can help you evaluate whether arbitration or litigation is the best option.

How to Choose the Right Arbitrator?

Choosing the right arbitrator is a critical part of the arbitration process, as the arbitrator will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the dispute. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an arbitrator:

Qualifications and Experience

Look for an arbitrator who has relevant expertise and experience in the subject matter of the dispute. This may include knowledge of the industry, technical skills, or legal expertise. For example, if the dispute involves a breach of contract, you may want to select an arbitrator who has experience in contract law.

Impartiality and Neutrality

Choose an arbitrator who is impartial and neutral, with no conflicts of interest or bias towards either party. Some arbitration organizations have codes of ethics or standards of conduct that arbitrators must follow to ensure impartiality. Look for an arbitrator who has a reputation for fairness and objectivity.

Availability

Check the arbitrator’s availability to ensure that they can devote the necessary time and attention to the dispute. Arbitration is often a faster process than litigation, but it still requires a significant commitment of time and resources. Make sure the arbitrator can complete the process within a reasonable timeframe.

Communication and Language skills

Select an arbitrator who has strong communication skills and can effectively communicate with all parties involved in the dispute. If the dispute involves parties who speak different languages, consider selecting an arbitrator who is bilingual or can provide interpretation services.

Cost

Arbitration can be less expensive than litigation, but the cost of the arbitrator’s fees and expenses can vary significantly. Consider the arbitrator’s fee structure and any additional expenses, such as travel or administrative costs, when selecting an arbitrator.

It is also important to consider any specific requirements or guidelines for selecting an arbitrator, such as those outlined in the arbitration agreement or by the arbitration organization. By carefully selecting the right arbitrator, parties can increase the likelihood of a fair and efficient resolution to their dispute.

If you’re facing a business dispute and considering arbitration, contact the experienced attorneys at Brown & Charbonneau, LLP. Visit our website for more information and to schedule a consultation.