Virginia Business Arbitration Lawyer

Pursuing litigation against another company can be a lengthy and costly process. It is not unusual for a civil claim to take years to resolve in court. Consequently, more businesses are turning to arbitration as a way to resolve their legal disputes.

With the help of a dedicated legal professional, arbitration sessions can be a way to shorten a dispute and reach a fair resolution with minimal stress. A Virginia business arbitration lawyer could help guide companies through the arbitration process. Experienced attorneys could present a case to an arbitrator that demands a beneficial outcome.

Understanding Arbitration in Virginia

 Arbitration is a popular form of alternative dispute resolution. While every party in a legal dispute has the right to take a case to court, arbitration is a way to avoid the lengthy trial process.

Arbitration is like a mini-trial.  In arbitration, both parties have the opportunity to make opening and closing arguments. Additionally, they have a chance to present documentary evidence, call witnesses, and question the veracity of the other party’s evidence. An arbitrator presides over the case, like a judge, though the setting is usually less formal than a courtroom. This person functions as the fact-finder. The arbitrator has the final say on the case.

The rulings in arbitration are binding. Once an arbitrator makes a decision, the parties involved may not seek further remedies in court. A lawyer in the area could help a company pursue claims through the arbitration process.

Binding Arbitration Clauses Under Commonwealth Law

More companies are starting to compel their customers and employees to submit disputes between them to binding arbitration. These clauses state that if there is a dispute over the terms of the contract, the only way that an aggrieved party can seek relief is to take the case to arbitration.

Though they are controversial, these clauses are legally binding under Commonwealth law. According to the Code of Virginia §8.01-581.01, an arbitration agreement is presumably valid, enforceable, and irrevocable. In fact, in Virginia, as in most states around the country, arbitration is a preferred legal process for dispute resolution and parties will be compelled to present their claims to arbitration if they wrongfully present their claims to court.  There may be exceptions to this rule if a court determines that the clause violates the same rules that hold contracts unenforceable.

These exceptions are exceedingly rare, and as such, parties should presume that a clause requiring arbitration is legal. A local attorney could provide more information about the legal basis for binding business arbitration clauses.

Reach Out to a Virginia Business Arbitration Lawyer Today

Many business contracts require parties who come into conflict to submit to binding arbitration. If you or your company is dealing with a business dispute, you must be fully prepared to present your case before an arbitration. A Virginia business arbitration lawyer could help you gather documentation and call witnesses to speak to the validity of your claim.

Knowledgeable lawyers could further explain the purposes of arbitration and work to craft a case that helps to prove your claims. Contact the office today to schedule a consultation with a skilled lawyer.