PRIVATE ARBITRATION AS THE EXCLUSIVE MEANS OF RESOLVING EMPLOYMENT-RELATED DISPUTES

More lawsuits, greater defense costs, and potentially large adverse ju dgments have dramatically changed the landscape of employment litigati on. In an effort to control and reduce litigation costs, and to limit their damages exposure, employers are attempting to find other procedu res than the typical state or federal court lawsuit to litigate employ ment-related disputes. Private arbitration is one form of alternative dispute resolution that has garnered much attention. This article will examine the many issues relating to private arbitration, including th e enforceability of private arbitration agreements, the benefits of su ch agreements, and the various issues a private arbitration agreement should address.