No formal order or further notice is required, the tentative ruling providing sufficient notice. The petition to confirm is brought under the California Arbitration Act and the case itself was initiated under the Act. Plaintiff has relied on both California and federal authority. As pointed out by plaintiff the powers of the arbitrator are very broad and the award will not be reviewed for factual or legal error. Under either California law or fenderal law, this award must be confirmed.
Defendant asserts several bases for vacating the award, none of which have merit.
Initially defendants contend that the arbitrator exceeded her authority by awarding damages not allowed by the agreement. They contend paragraph E of the agreement prohibits recovery of consequential damages including lost and prospective profits. In effect, defendants contend she awarded punitive damages in violation of Virginia law. Even if the arbitrator's interpertation is wrong, the court cannot substitute its interpretation for hers. Furthermore, in their brief on recalculation of damages, defendants conceded that plaintiff was entitled to lost profits.