Are you good at resolving disputes? Maybe your friends and family ask you for help in fixing their disputes because they trust your opinion?
Arbitration is a way to solve disputes outside of court, privately. Becoming an arbitrator could be a good option if you’re interested in conflict resolution.
Alternative dispute resolution professionals like arbitrators are not a common, well-known career; however, this article will go over what an arbitrator is and steps you can take to become an arbitrator.
An arbitrator is an alternative dispute resolution professional with formal arbitration training. Most arbitrators, though not all, are attorneys who have previously represented parties now subject to arbitration. Arbitrators are required to maintain neutrality and may serve as the sole arbitrator on the case or as one of a few on an arbitration panel.
The arbitrator is an impartial person chosen by the parties. The role of an arbitrator is similar to that of a judge but arbitrators typically encourage collaborative communication between the involved parties in the hopes that the dispute may be resolved. The arbitrator will read briefs and documentary evidence, hear testimony, examine evidence and render an opinion on liability and damages to conclude the hearing.
Lastly, an arbitrator (and the rules of the governing body they belong to) will set the procedures for the arbitration process, hold status conferences, and preside over the final arbitration hearing in order to reach a binding conclusion. Click here for more information on the arbitration process [link to blog post about what arbitration looks like].
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