DuPage County Arbitration Attorneys
Experienced Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyers in Wheaton and Northern Illinois
With many commercial disputes, it is in the best interests of the parties involved to settle outside of court. Litigation can be lengthy and costly, and it can take several months (and in some cases years) to decide the final outcome. Many parties in a business dispute opt for some form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR); such as arbitration or mediation. Arbitration is often used because of a clause in a contract as a way for both parties to control legal costs in the event of a dispute.
At Schmidt & Barbrow, PC, we have represented numerous clients in arbitration proceedings over the years, and one of our senior attorneys was first certified as an arbitrator for the 18th Judicial Circuit in DuPage County in 1997. Our lawyers also have extensive commercial litigation and appellate law and practice experience. We have litigated and appealed cases in numerous jurisdictions throughout the state, and we have a reputation for handling even the most difficult and complex cases.
Our in-depth understanding of the Illinois judicial system, as well as all forms of alternative dispute resolution, gives our clients access to the tools they need to resolve their case successfully. We are honest and straightforward with no pre-set agenda; our only priority is to do what is in your best interests. Whether that means litigation, mediation, arbitration or another type of settlement, we put our experience to work to develop the most practical and effective path to a positive resolution.
Arbitration for Business Disputes
Arbitration is a common form of alternative dispute resolution for complicated business disputes; particularly those in which one party may have failed to live up to their end of a contract. A dispute may call for mandatory arbitration, wherein the parties are not allowed to litigate the case or may allow for voluntary arbitration, wherein the option of arbitrating is available to partnies involved in a dispute.
Arbitration is similar to a court proceeding, except that the hearing is less formal, is held in private, and does not ordinarily involve jury. Instead, the case is decided by a neutral third party arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators. The decision of the arbitrator may be binding or non-binding. Binding arbitration means the decision is final and enforceable, and there are limited options to have the decision overturned by a court. In non-binding arbitration, the decision is typically just an advisory opinion and is not immediately enforceable.
