Arbitration Basics

Arbitration clauses are found in all types of agreements, from securities trading and employment agreements to consumer contracts, including those for credit cards, home repairs, health insurance, telephones, and selling and financing cars. An arbitration clause requires that disputes arising from contracts and transactions be resolved through arbitration. The American Arbitration Association estimates that it handles more than 2 million arbitrations yearly, and hundreds of thousands are conducted by other groups and individuals.

Yet despite the growing use of arbitration and the fact that most consumers are bound by several arbitration agreements (often unknowingly), many people don't know what arbitration is or how it works.

Here's a primer on arbitration, explaining important arbitration terms, types of arbitrators, and how the process generally works.

What Is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside of court. Parties refer their disputes to an arbitrator who reviews the evidence, listens to the parties, and decides the case. The arbitration process is less formal than a courtroom hearing or trial (and often less expensive) but more formal than mediation or negotiation. (Learn more about mediation.)

Most arbitrations arise because of an arbitration clause in a contract, in which the parties have agreed to resolve any disputes arising out of the contract through arbitration. Before we discuss what an arbitration looks like, it helps to understand what an arbitration clause can include. Arbitration clauses can be simple—stating that claims will be settled according to applicable arbitration rules and then enforced by a local court.

But arbitration clauses can also be more complex, controlling many matters, such as how arbitrators will be selected, where the arbitration will be held, who will pay for attorneys' fees, and whether the final arbitration award must be kept confidential. Arbitration clauses can be mandatory or voluntary, and the arbitrator's decision may be binding or nonbinding.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary Arbitration

An arbitration clause may make arbitration mandatory or voluntary. In any dispute, parties can agree to voluntary arbitration. Most consumer advocates prefer this evenhanded approach to arbitration, which allows it to be a choice rather than a necessity.

A dispute that is subject to mandatory arbitration must be resolved through arbitration. However, not all disputes are eligible for forced arbitration. For instance, in March 2022, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault Harassment Act made pre-dispute arbitration agreements in employment contracts invalid and unenforceable for sexual assault and sexual harassment claims.

Binding vs. Nonbinding Arbitration

In binding arbitration, the arbitrator's decision is final. It may not be reviewed or overturned by a court except in very limited circumstances, such as when fraud or misuse of power has been involved.

In nonbinding arbitration, either party may reject the award and demand a trial. Parties often treat nonbinding decisions as an independent assessment of a potential lawsuit's strengths and weaknesses, aiming to encourage a settlement. But even in nonbinding arbitration cases, the arbitration agreement often states that the award may become binding if the parties agree to it or wait too long to ask to go back to court.

Choosing an Arbitrator

Many arbitration agreements require that disputes be arbitrated through one of the big arbitration groups or associations. Others leave it up to the parties to agree on a particular arbitrator.

Large Arbitration Agencies

Many arbitration agreements designate the American Arbitration Association, JAMS, or the National Arbitration Forum to handle the arbitration. Arbitrators on the rosters of these groups are often retired judges or practicing attorneys, although some are nonlawyers with particular expertise related to the dispute (for example, construction or child custody).

These agencies typically charge a set filing fee or a percentage of the amount in dispute and an additional fee or percentage as a "case service fee." For example, if the amount in dispute is $75,000 to $150,000, an arbitration organization would typically charge about $2,250 to begin the proceeding.

Independent Arbitrators

You can find independent arbitrators and learn about their fees and philosophies online using the search terms "arbitrator" and your location. Many county and state bar associations have arbitration programs that can connect you with an independent arbitrator.

When to Seek Legal Help

Parties sometimes hire attorneys to help them through the arbitration process. If the dispute involves $10,000 or less, most individuals opt to handle the process alone, with guidance from the arbitrator or arbitration organization. Companies and retailers nearly always hire lawyers to represent their interests in arbitration. And for disputes involving $100,000 or more, both sides usually hire lawyers for help.