Arbitrations

Arbitration, like mediation, is a popular form of "Alternative Dispute Resolution," or ADR. Often, as in our local Superior Court system here in Seattle, some form of ADR is mandatory before trial.

It's important to consider whether your case would benefit more from arbitration or mediation. They have different strengths and weaknesses, and are suited to different kinds of situations.

Since the arbitrator functions more like a judge than a mediator, arbitrations are suggested for cases where both sides can live with a "winner take all" approach, rather than a form of compromise. Some types of contracts specify arbitration only for conflict resolution.

For receipt at least five business days before the arbitration hearing, please submit the following materials:

• A brief statement of the facts;
• An outline of the legal issues involved and your position on these issues;
• An itemization of all specials claimed;
• A short summary of the medical/financial records and/or a few pages of the actual medical/financial records which you consider especially relevant. (Please bring the complete records to the arbitration hearing.)

Any other material which you consider important to your case and about which you think I should be aware.

If you have any questions about these materials, please call me directly at (206) 624-2200, or email me. Thank you. --Steve Branom, arbitrator.

For further information, please email: sbranom@hackettbeecher.com