Justin Bieber, Sunoco and Arbitration: How are they Possibly Connected?   by George Friedman*   Earlier this week came word that Justin Bieber and a photographer, who are embroiled in a law suit in Florida over an alleged assault on the photographer, are now arguing about whether the judge should direct the parties to submit…

The Elections are over: What it means for Consumer Arbitration Five things to look for in 2015 By George H. Friedman*   Back when I was Director of Arbitration at FINRA, we used to have a “Crystal Ball Contest” where the staff would weigh in on predictions for the coming year. I usually did pretty…

The Camel and the Last Straw or the Frog and the Boiling Water: Pick Your Parable By George H. Friedman* The current issue of the Securities Arbitration Commentator has as its lead story an article I wrote with the title above.  For those who don’t subscribe, here is the Reader’s Digest version.  Or maybe the…

Ten Things about Litigation that Arbitration Critics Won’t Tell You by George H. Friedman*  [republished from an earlier post] The recent uproar over General Mills’ decision to adopt and later retract a new policy by which consumers, by engaging in activities such as downloading a recipe, or participating in a contest, or “liking” the firm…

MONTVILLE, N.J., Nov. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Vertican Technologies, Inc. (VT) of Montville, NJ, and Arbitration Resolution Services, Inc. (ARS) of Coral Springs, FL, have entered into a strategic partnership to connect attorneys using VT’s YGC Solutions®platform to the ARS Complete Online Dispute Resolution (C- ODR™) system. Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141104/156498LOGO Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141104/156497LOGO ARS is a cutting-edge…

The recent uproar over General Mills’ decision to adopt and later retract a new policy by which consumers, by engaging in activities such as downloading a recipe, or participating in a contest, or “liking” the firm on Facebook, would unwittingly be agreeing to arbitrate, certainly refocused the spotlight on the prevalent use of mandatory, predispute arbitration in consumer transactions.

I have to admit I was a little concerned about the Arbitration Resolution Services, Inc. business model when I read summaries describing Martin v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., No. 12-6030 (N.D. Cal. Dec. 2, 2013). It sounded like the court was saying online agreements to arbitrate were not enforceable. Then I read the actual case. Turns out this case is just about failure of proof.I have to admit I was a little concerned about the Arbitration Resolution Services, Inc. business model when I read summaries describing Martin v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., No. 12-6030 (N.D. Cal. Dec. 2, 2013). It sounded like the court was saying online agreements to arbitrate were not enforceable. Then I read the actual case. Turns out this case is just about failure of proof.

We have announced a new partnership with BoaterRated LLC this week, which brings valuable and convenient dispute resolution to the boating community.  The service allows BoaterRated Partner Businesses™ to use ARS at reduced fees for all parties to a dispute. BoaterRated.com is the leading independent marine business review website, where boaters rate and review boating businesses.  As…