Arbitration

A Primer on Dispute Resolution Clauses in Business Agreements– Key Drafting Considerations

  © 2011, Philip E. Cutler      Cutler Nylander & Hayton, P.S.  1191 Second Avenue, Suite 1650  Seattle, WA 98101   Telephone:  (206) 340-4600  Facsimile:  (206) 340-4646 Email:  philcutler@cnhlaw.com Website:  www.cnhlaw.com     Phil Cutler is a principal in the Seattle law firm Cutler Nylander & Hayton, P.S., where his practice emphasizes trial and appellate practice and dispute resolution,…

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Reclaiming the Promise of Arbitration

By Phil Cutler[1]

From the earliest days of the Washington Territory, arbitration has been a recognized method of dispute resolution in our state;[2] the Legislature enacted Washington’s first arbitration act in 1869.[3] Historically, arbitration has been popular, especially among businesses; notwithstanding its higher forum costs (the parties pay not insignificant filing fees and bear the cost of compensating the arbitrator), it offered parties a number of benefits not available in a litigation forum:  the opportunity to select the decision-maker, usually someone experienced in resolving business disputes; confidentiality; an early opportunity for a hearing on the merits; and a final award, not subject to interminable appeals.  Moreover, arbitration was a more expeditious and less expensive alternative to litigation, largely because “discovery” and motions practice in arbitration were limited and parties had no need for significant case preparation time.

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Sample Pre-Hearing Order #1

USAGE NOTE: The below represents the general form and content of the order I normally enter in AAA-administered arbitrations – where I am the sole arbitrator – following the initial preliminary hearing with the parties/counsel. It should be read in conjunction with the agenda letter and agenda I send out prior to the initial preliminary hearing. I use a substantially…

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