Arbitration Services

At Burch & Cracchiolo, our arbitration practice offers parties a private, efficient, and effective alternative to traditional courtroom litigation. Arbitration is a dispute resolution process in which parties agree to submit their conflict to a neutral third-party arbitrator or panel, whose decision is typically final and legally binding. Our attorneys are frequently called upon to serve as arbitrators, panelists, and neutrals in a broad spectrum of matters—including general liability, civil litigation, insurance defense, institutional defense, bad faith claims, dram shop actions, tort, and negligence cases.

Practicing Arbitration Services in Phoenix, Arizona

Arbitration Services

Burch & Cracchiolo’s experienced general liability attorneys and trial attorneys are known for their professionalism, fairness, and deep knowledge of Arizona law. Serving clients throughout Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and across the state, our attorneys are routinely selected to act as panelists or single arbitrators for both private and institutional panel arbitration matters. We provide in person, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams arbitration services, ensuring flexibility and convenience for all parties.

Our arbitrators and panelists are trusted for their ability to manage complex proceedings with integrity and preparedness, whether the dispute involves insurance defense, professional liability, or general civil litigation. With a reputation for delivering clear, well-reasoned, and impartial decisions, Burch & Cracchiolo offers an effective path to resolution while maintaining the confidentiality that many clients value.

Arbitration vs. Mediation

While arbitration places decision-making authority in the hands of a neutral arbitrator or panelist who delivers a binding result, mediation is a confidential and collaborative process in which a neutral helps parties work toward a mutually agreeable settlement. Our attorneys also serve as mediators in confidential mediation sessions, bringing the same level of experience, professionalism, and fairness to helping parties reach voluntary resolutions.

Whether you are seeking an experienced neutral, a knowledgeable panelist, or a professional trial attorney to arbitrate your dispute, Burch & Cracchiolo provides reliable arbitration and mediation services across Arizona. Trust our team for fair, efficient, and confidential resolution of your most challenging legal matters.

Schedule Arbitration with Keith A. Olbricht

To check Keith’s availability or book mediation or arbitration, please use the booking form below. You can reserve half-day, full-day, or multi-day sessions by scheduling over the phone or online. His standard mediation/arbitration rate is $450 per hour.

 

Why Use Arbitration?

  • Confidentiality. Arbitration keeps proceedings and outcomes private, protecting sensitive business information and reputations—unlike public courtroom litigation.
  • Expertise of the Arbitrator. Parties can select a neutral arbitrator or panelist with specialized experience in areas such as general liability, insurance defense, tort, or professional liability, ensuring well-informed and knowledgeable decision-making.
  • Efficiency and Speed. Arbitration is typically faster than litigation, offering streamlined procedures and flexible scheduling—including in person, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams—resulting in quicker resolution of disputes.
  • Final and Binding Decisions. The arbitrator’s decision is usually final and legally binding, providing closure and certainty, and minimizing the risk of drawn-out appeals.
  • Flexibility and Convenience. The arbitration process is adaptable, allowing parties to agree on procedures, evidence rules, hearing formats, and locations.
  • Cost-Effectiveness. Arbitration often reduces overall costs due to fewer procedural requirements, limited discovery, and shorter timelines compared to traditional court litigation.

FAQs on Arbitration

Arbitration is a private method for resolving disputes where all parties agree to present their case to a neutral decision-maker rather than going to court. This process tends to be quicker and less costly than litigation, and the outcome is binding.

Arbitration results in a final decision made by a neutral arbitrator, similar to a judge in a courtroom. Mediation, however, involves a neutral facilitator helping the parties come to a mutually agreeable solution. In mediation, the outcome is decided by the parties themselves, not the mediator.

Arbitration can be faster, more cost-effective, and more private than court proceedings. Parties also have more control over the process, such as selecting the arbitrator and shaping the procedures. The final decision is typically not appealable, offering finality.

In some cases, yes. With legal professionals commonly involved, arbitration can sometimes mirror court litigation in complexity and cost. However, since the arbitration process is flexible, parties can agree to streamline procedures and reduce expenses if they choose.

Almost any disagreement that could be resolved in court can be handled through arbitration, as long as all parties voluntarily agree to do so.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the dispute and the choices made by the parties. Some matters are resolved in a few days to weeks. Parties can include deadlines and procedural limits in their agreement to ensure efficiency.

Arbitration can occur in any mutually convenient location—commonly in a conference room or a neutral setting arranged by the arbitrator. It’s generally less formal than a court trial.

Costs depend on factors like the length of the hearing, complexity of the case, and extent of preparation required. Arbitrators charge for both the hearing time and their time spent reviewing documents, resolving preliminary matters, and writing the decision. Additional administrative fees may apply if a third-party organization is used. Costs are often split between the parties.

If a contract includes an arbitration clause, follow its procedures. This may involve notifying the other party and working with an arbitral organization. If no specific process is outlined, the parties can mutually agree to arbitrate and set the terms together.

The method for selecting an arbitrator is often outlined in the agreement to arbitrate. If not, parties typically agree together or refer to rules provided by an arbitration service provider. Neutrality and relevant experience are key criteria to consider.

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