Awards are generally binding upon both parties. Arbitration is actually encouraged by most state courts and is a perfectly acceptable alternative to federal judicial courts as well.
Arbitration is often the next step if mediation fails.
Arbitrators do not have to be attorneys, and the parties do not have to be represented by attorneys. In fact, the process works better if the arbitrator is not an attorney because attorneys often try to run arbitrations like a trial. This totally defeats the purpose of the alternative forum. Through our strategic alliance with Solutions with Consensus, Inc., we arbitrate We arbitrate disputes or provide consulting, advisory, and advocacy to parties as required. Our arbitrators all have at least 40 hours of concentrated training in arbitration and are certified to conduct arbitrations.