Tag: ADR

Arbitration Disclosure Form

I use this form to make disclosures in AAA-administered arbitrations and mediations. I use a substantially similar form in private or court-annexed mediations and arbitrations and arbitrations administered by FINRA DR. Phil Cutler March 2013 Arbitrator [Mediator] Disclosures of Philip E. Cutler Consistent with the [CODE OF ETHICS FOR ARBITRATORS IN COMMERCIAL DISPUTES (AAA and ABA), the Disclosure Guidelines for…

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Realizing the Benefits of Arbitration – Top 10 Tips to CEOs and CFOs

In the fall of 2009 the College of Commercial Arbitrators, a by-invitation only association of leading domestic and international arbitrators, in conjunction with the American Arbitration Association and other major arbitration-provider organizations, hosted a summit of leading lawyers, arbitrators, business executives, and general counsel to discuss ways in which arbitration – long viewed among businesses as the preferred domestic and…

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Intricacies of Dispute Resolution Clauses Within International Business Agreements-Key Drafting Considerations

  INTRICACIES OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION CLAUSES WITHIN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AGREEMENTS – KEY DRAFTING CONSIDERATIONS by Philip E. Cutler Cutler Nylander & Hayton, P.S. 1191 Second Avenue , Suite 1650 Seattle, WA 98101 Telephone: (206) 340-4600 Facsimile: (206) 340-4646 © 2010, Philip E. Cutler Phil Cutler is a principal in the Seattle law firm Cutler Nylander & Hayton, P.S., where his…

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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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Practice Pointers for the Lawyer Advising Clients in Mediation-A Mediator’s Perspective

Just as mediation is an art, not a science, there is an art to advocacy in mediation.  I have developed the following “pointers” during the course of over 30 years as a trial lawyer in complex commercial and business disputes, and 25-plus years serving as mediator in such cases.  Although they reflect my personal experience as lawyer and mediator in commercial cases, the essential learning points cut across practice lines.

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Suggested Format for an Agreed Mediation Plan Under the King County Superior Court Early Mediation Pilot Project

Below is my suggested format for an agreed mediation plan to be filed in those King County cases slected for the Early Mediation Pilot Program. A Word version is available here: Agreed Mediation Plan ****************************** SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY CAPTION AGREED MEDIATION PLAN COME NOW the parties to this case, by and through their attorneys of record,…

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King County Superior Court Early Mediation Pilot Project

Historically, only 3-5% of civil cases filed in King County Superior Court proceed to trial. Some are disposed of on motion, some plaintiffs simply withdraw their complaint; most are resolved by settlement – often through mediation. While mediation offers a proven and effective means of resolving a dispute prior to trial, the later it occurs in the “life” of a…

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Memo to Client Re: Mediation

WHAT IS MEDIATION? Mediation is a process. The mediator attempts to facilitate an out-of-court settlement between the parties by building upon areas of common agreement and by challenging the parties and their lawyers to think critically about the case, potential outcomes, and the business and other risks which attend continued pursuit of the lawsuit. WHY ENGAGE IN MEDIATION? Litigation is…

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