A day in the life of an arbitrator is not just long days spent listening to cases and trying to resolve disputes.
Arbitrators, and their conflict resolution peers, have important responsibilities that happen before the actual hearings take place in order to make the best decision. From answering emails and scheduling hearings with clients or colleagues for case prep, reviewing pleadings, researching any relevant cases or statutes—this work is full and fulfilling.
This article discusses what arbitrators actually do in their role, how they do it, and how they work with clients and co-arbitrators on a case.
Arbitrators are neutral third-parties that help opposing parties settle disputes outside of court. They hold private, confidential hearings which are often less formal than a public court proceeding. Arbitrators belong to a governing body that sets the rules for the arbitration proceedings and guides the parties through the process. Unlike mediation, the final outcome of a dispute hearing—after reviewing the documents filed by the parties and holding a hearing on the matter—is a binding decision from the arbitrator or panel of arbitrators.
On any given day, arbitrators will hold status conferences with the disputing parties to decide what documents can be filed, deadlines for exchanging documents, and setting final hearing dates. If necessary, they do legal research related to the proceedings they are working on or review relevant legal documents filed by the parties. Contrary to the standard court case, parties in arbitration often need the arbitrator’s permission to file any additional documents or evidence referring to their case.
If there is an arbitration hearing that day, arbitrators will preside over the proceedings much like a judge would in court. The point of arbitration is to resolve disputes more simply without using judicial resources. In arbitration proceedings, the same rules from court don’t often apply and there simply aren’t as many hearings compared to a judge in a courtroom. Click here for more information on the arbitration process [link to blog post about what arbitration looks like].
A person becomes an arbitrator to send cases to arbitration; make a decision about cases for which a court is needed; and assess the merits of disputes. Arbitrators must be flexible and ready for anything. That’s where the Fourth Party app steps in.
Busy alternative dispute resolution professionals in mediation need to maximize their time, money, and client relationships with smart, useful features. Fourth Party is the best app for mediators and arbitrators to execute safe and secure conflict resolution on-the-move. ADR professionals can explore our dynamic note-taking tool for effective in-person or virtual hearing recaps. Also, close cases with confidence with our post-reporting feature that helps you navigate compliance at the state and federal level.
The Fourth Party app is intuitive, designed to help ADR professionals like mediators and arbitrators manage tasks, streamline negotiations, and track results – all in one place. Book a demo with us at Fourth Party to improve the dispute resolution process for yourself and your clients.
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