Settling your Florida disputes
When your legal dispute is referred for arbitration or mediation, it’s important to remember that you are still involved in an adversarial legal process. Moreover, if you agree to binding arbitration, you are giving up any and all rights to appeal the decision. Snyderburn, Rishoi & Swann has more than 60 years experience challenging arbitrators to arrive at truly just decisions. We specialize in securities fraud and investment fraud arbitration.

What’s the difference between arbitration and mediation?
Mediation can be seen as the first step in a two-step process. During mediation, parties may argue over the interpretation of a clause in a contract or a fair award for damaged property. The mediator will work with them to forge an agreement. He will not impose a result, but rather help them achieve it. If the parties can’t agree, the dispute might move to arbitration, where a neutral arbitrator will listen and then render a decision. In non-binding arbitration, the parties can reject the decision and move on to binding arbitration or trial. In binding arbitration, parties agree to abide by whatever the arbitrator decides and there is no appeal.
Each stage of this process requires preparation, execution and high-level decision-making, weighing costs and benefits and anticipating consequences. We are experienced attorneys who approach arbitration as we would a trial: meticulously preparing your case, researching relevant law and weaving material facts into a compelling narrative asserting your cause.

Why arbitrate?
Arbitration is designed to reach a fair outcome without the expense and time of a trial. When it is voluntary, arbitration helps many people who might otherwise be shut out of the justice system by high costs. However, arbitration is still an adversarial process, with each side presenting their case and rebutting their opponent’s. This is especially true if your opponent is a corporation with a mandatory arbitration clause in its contract and a staff of lawyers on retainer who specialize in denying claims like yours. Now you’re arbitrating because you must. You need the attorneys at Snyderburn, Rishoi & Swann to deliver the professionalism it takes to match a strong opponent.

If the arbitrator is neutral, why do I need a lawyer?
A trial judge would also be neutral. But if you wouldn’t represent yourself in court, you should be even less inclined to try it in arbitration, which is privately funded by those who use the system. The American Arbitration Association has rules designed to root out overt favoritism. However, large corporations with arbitration requirements hire many arbitrators, who appreciate the business. We know the system, and our knowledge helps ensure a favorable outcome based upon the merits of your case.

Contact a determined Central Florida arbitration firm
If your dispute has been referred for arbitration, don’t delay. Contact Snyderburn, Rishoi & Swann to schedule an initial free consultation with one of your seasoned attorneys. Call 407.378.4621 or contact us online today.