Arbitration in Virginia and Maryland
Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute. In choosing arbitration, the parties opt for a private resolution procedure instead of choosing the public court system. An existing dispute can be referred to arbitration by agreement of the parties. Once arbitration is commenced, a party cannot unilaterally withdraw from arbitration.
Mediation, by contrast, is a voluntary process in which two or more parties involved in a dispute work with an impartial party, the mediator, to generate their own solutions in settling their conflict. Unlike a judge or an arbitrator whose decisions may subject one party to win and the other party to lose, mediation is about finding a solution that works for both parties. Mediation is essentially facilitated negotiation.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), whether Arbitration or Mediation, is an ever-expanding reality in business and other civil disputes. Many contracts require Arbitration instead of litigation in the courts. Some contracts require Mediation before a party can initiate suit for breach.
Arbitration and Mediation require a detailed knowledge of the law applicable to a given case, knowledge of ADR procedures, as well as experience in litigation and negotiation. Based on their years of experience in Arbitration and Mediation, the Virginia & Maryland attorneys at the SRIS Law Group, P.C. will represent your interests with determination and professionalism.
