1. Faster
Parties usually get to hearing within a year of filing and even quicker for simpler and expedited disputes whereas a court case will often wend its way through the system for two to five years before trial depending on the jurisdiction. Now add the backlog of closed courts, reduced public funding, criminal case priority, and pandemic-related lawsuits, and arbitration becomes significantly quicker than the court system. Even the decision-making process can be swifter. Most arbitrators render an award within thirty days of closing the hearing, whereas an overworked judge or appellate court may require months to issue a final decision. Traditional litigation’s delay becomes even more troubling when the parties consider the ticking of the pre or post judgment interest clock.
2. Flexibility
Parties can schedule discovery, c10 Reasons Arbitration Beats Traditional Litigationonferences, deadlines, motion practice, and hearings around their schedule, not the beleaguered, overcrowded court docket. Most arbitrators will accommodate scheduling conflicts and personal plans, whereas the courts expect the parties to work around their calendars. Parties can also narrow the scope of the issues presented to the arbitrator for resolution without the need for a summary adjudication process.
3. Confidentiality
Parties can ensure confidentiality. Only participants can attend the arbitration because the proceedings remain private unlike traditional litigation open to the public. Even the arbitration filings remain private while anyone can access court filings. Parties may also like the non-precedent setting nature of arbitration, especially if they have similar cases coming behind this dispute.
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