Litigation is the process of taking a legal dispute through the court system, while arbitration is an alternative to litigation in which the parties to a dispute agree to have their case heard and decided by an arbitrator.  Litigation lawyers handle all aspects of a case, from filing the initial complaint through trial and appeal. Arbitration lawyers may represent their clients in arbitration proceedings, but they also often help their clients negotiate the terms of their arbitration agreement.  Litigation is generally more expensive and time-consuming than arbitration, but it offers the opportunity for a fuller and fairer hearing that works towards a dispute resolution.  Arbitration, on the other hand, is generally faster and less expensive than litigation, but it may be less rigorous in its protections for the rights of the parties.