Arbitration Agreement Is Enforceable in the Absence of Agreed Method or Alternative Options for Appointing Arbitrator

On September 20, 2013, in HM DG, Inc., et al. v. Amini and Beizai, etc., et al., Case No.B242540 (LASC Case No. BC475302), the California Court of Appeal (Second District, Division Three) held that, because the court has the power to appoint an arbitrator under Code of Civil Procedure section 1281.6, “neither the absence of a definite method, nor the presence of ‘alternative options’ for appointing an arbitrator renders an otherwise valid arbitration agreement unenforceable.” http://www.metnews.com/sos.cgi?0913//B242540.

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Practical Advice for Getting Results in Business Mediation

Mediation is an informal business meeting that is focused on negotiating a mutually satisfactory solution to a dispute. The parties control the outcome and avoid the imposition of a result by a judge or jury who do not have the same interest in creative solutions as the parties do.

The parties and their lawyers have the best chance of ending the dispute on their own. If direct negotiations fail, or escalate into unproductive arguments, it’s time to bring in a skillful mediator. The mediator’s job is to patiently explore all involved parties’ interests, including their lawyers’ interests, and assist in developing solutions that will be in everyone’s best interests.

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