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FedArb Comprehensive FAQ

ABOUT FEDARB

What makes FedArb different from other ADR providers?

FedArb delivers what complex, high-stakes disputes require: credible decision-makers, clear procedures and outcomes grounded in real judicial experience. Our panel of former federal judges and elite neutrals brings decades of experience managing complex litigation, technical matters and regulatory disputes.

Unlike legacy ADR institutions that rely on rigid processes, FedArb builds tailored frameworks designed to keep cases moving with clarity and predictability. Timelines are structured early, expectations are set transparently, and a responsive case management team ensures the process remains efficient and focused.

The result is faster, clearer and more confident resolution — guided by neutrals whose judgment carries weight with courts, counsel and clients alike.

Why do companies and law firms choose former federal judges for arbitration or mediation?

Former federal judges have deep experience evaluating complex fact patterns, interpreting federal statutes and managing cases involving extensive discovery or expert testimony. Their credibility encourages constructive engagement, and their procedural instincts help keep matters focused on what actually drives resolution.

How does FedArb maintain neutrality and fairness?

Neutrality is foundational. FedArb panelists follow strict disclosure standards, avoid conflicts, and conduct proceedings with transparency and impartiality. Many bring judicial experience, and all are selected for the judgment, discipline and professionalism needed to ensure a fair and even-handed process at every stage.

How does FedArb ensure confidentiality?

All proceedings at FedArb are private. Neutrals apply confidentiality standards consistent with federal practice and work with parties to structure protective orders, secure remote hearings and safeguard sensitive documents, data and trade secrets.

WORKING WITH FEDARB

How are FedArb neutrals selected for a case?

FedArb curates a shortlist based on subject-matter expertise, judicial or industry experience, and the specific needs of the dispute —always with the goal of matching the parties to the neutral best suited to their matter. The parties remain in full control of the final selection and may request interviews, additional background or comparative details before choosing their neutral.

Explore FedArb’s panelists here: https://fedarb.com/panelists

How does FedArb ensure a fair and transparent selection process?

FedArb’s role is to support the parties — not steer the outcome. Shortlists are curated based on expertise, but the parties remain in full control of interviewing, evaluating and selecting their neutral. This transparency reinforces impartiality and ensures the neutral is aligned with the needs of the matter.

What support does FedArb provide beyond the neutral?

FedArb’s dedicated case managers handle scheduling, filings, logistics and day-to-day communications, giving parties fast, direct access to administrative support whenever they need it. This hands-on, responsive service keeps matters organized and moving, allowing the neutral to stay focused on the legal and procedural issues that drive resolution. The result is a process that feels clear, coordinated and efficient from start to finish.

How fast can a matter be scheduled?

FedArb is known for fast, flexible scheduling. Our case management team responds quickly to new matters, coordinates directly with the neutral and the parties, and helps set preliminary conferences and early proceedings on an expedited basis when needed. This responsiveness allows complex disputes — including those requiring urgent relief  — to begin efficiently and without unnecessary delay.

For smaller or time-sensitive matters, FedArb also offers a FastTrack arbitration option  — an expedited process designed to move lower-value disputes swiftly to resolution.

Can FedArb help design customized arbitration or mediation procedures?

Yes. FedArb frequently helps parties design bespoke procedures for complex disputes, including tailored discovery plans, expert sequencing, confidentiality structures and hearing formats. FedArb is also flexible in the rules it applies — neutrals can use FedArb’s rules or conduct proceedings under frameworks such as JAMS, UNCITRAL, CPR or others the parties prefer. This flexibility is especially valuable in multiparty matters, technical disputes and cases requiring tight timelines or specialized expertise.

Does FedArb administer arbitrations under institutional rules?

Yes. FedArb neutrals can apply FedArb’s rules or conduct proceedings under major institutional frameworks — including JAMS, UNCITRAL, CPR or others the parties prefer. This flexibility allows parties to use familiar rule sets while benefiting from FedArb’s judicial experience, tailored procedures and responsive case management.

Can FedArb support hybrid or remote proceedings?

Yes. FedArb neutrals handle in-person, virtual or hybrid hearings. They manage remote testimony, digital evidence and virtual breakout rooms while maintaining procedural integrity and security.

SCOPE OF EXPERTISE

What types of disputes does FedArb handle?

FedArb neutrals work across a broad range of complex disputes, including:

Commercial & Regulatory

  • Commercial litigation
  • Securities and financial services
  • Transactional liability and post-closing disputes

Competition & Class Proceedings

  • Antitrust and competition matters
  • Class actions and MDLs

Technology, IP & Privacy

  • Intellectual property and technology disputes
  • Privacy, cybersecurity and data-breach matters

Industry-Specific + Specialized

  • Energy and utilities
  • Life sciences and healthcare regulation
  • Employment and partnership disputes

Explore practice areas:

Does FedArb offer mediation as well as arbitration?

Yes. FedArb offers mediation for a wide range of disputes, including complex commercial matters, regulatory issues and class actions. Panelists bring decades of experience facilitating negotiated resolutions or guiding parties toward settlement during litigation.

What types of neutrals serve on the FedArb panel?

FedArb’s panel includes former federal judges, experienced arbitrators and mediators, senior litigators, and subject-matter experts in fields such as finance, engineering, life sciences and data science. Each neutral is selected for their judgment, professionalism and ability to manage complex disputes with clarity and fairness. This mix of judicial experience and specialized expertise allows FedArb to match parties with neutrals who understand both the legal and technical dimensions of high-stakes matters.

Explore FedArb’s panelists here: https://fedarb.com/panelists

Can FedArb neutrals handle disputes across multiple jurisdictions?

Yes. Many FedArb panelists have overseen complex matters involving parallel litigation, coordinated federal actions and cross-border disputes. Several also bring experience managing multidistrict litigation, where coordination, proportional discovery and procedural discipline are essential. They are skilled at designing processes that minimize duplication, reduce conflict among jurisdictions and keep the matter moving efficiently.

Learn more about FedArb’s MDL experience: https://fedarb.com/services/mdl

Are FedArb neutrals experienced with highly technical or scientific disputes?

Absolutely. FedArb includes former judges and practitioners with deep experience in patent litigation, engineering, finance, data science, healthcare and complex commercial regulation. Their ability to analyze technical evidence is a meaningful advantage in modern disputes.

Learn more:

Does FedArb work with international disputes?

Yes. FedArb neutrals have served in cross-border arbitrations, international licensing disputes, global supply chain matters and cases involving multinational regulatory frameworks. Our panel includes neutrals experienced with international rules and cross-border procedural issues, allowing parties to resolve global disputes with confidence and efficiency.

Learn more about FedArb’s international arbitration work: https://fedarb.com/services/international

Does FedArb have neutrals with agency or regulatory experience?

Yes. Many FedArb panelists bring backgrounds in federal agencies, enforcement divisions, regulatory litigation and administrative law. Their experience includes matters involving agencies such as the DOJ, FTC, SEC, FDA and other regulatory bodies. This gives them a clear understanding of statutory interpretation, investigatory processes and the operational pressures on regulated entities — experience that helps parties navigate disputes with significant regulatory or compliance components.

Is FedArb a good fit for disputes requiring both legal and technical expertise?

Yes. Many modern disputes turn on technical evidence — from scientific data and engineering analyses to financial models, algorithms and complex digital-platform issues. FedArb’s panel includes former judges, practitioners and subject-matter experts who are skilled at assessing these materials and translating them into clear, well-reasoned decisions. Their ability to bridge legal and technical complexity makes FedArb a strong fit for disputes where specialized expertise is essential to resolution.

COURT-APPOINTED ROLES

Does FedArb offer neutrals who serve as court-appointed neutrals or special masters?

Yes. FedArb has numerous panelists who have served as discovery masters, settlement masters, technical masters and court-appointed neutrals in significant federal actions. They bring proven experience managing discovery, privilege disputes, hearings and compliance obligations.

Learn more: https://fedarb.com/services/special-masters-corporate-monitorships

Can FedArb neutrals oversee compliance, monitoring or settlement implementation?

Yes. FedArb neutrals regularly serve as monitors in complex regulatory and post-settlement environments, including antitrust consent decrees, securities and financial-services matters, nationwide class settlements, and long-term compliance or reform programs. Many have overseen large, multi-jurisdictional projects involving extensive reporting, data review and operational oversight. Their credibility and disciplined approach provide assurance to courts, regulators and the parties that obligations are being met and that the process remains transparent and aligned with the terms of the agreement.

Learn more: https://fedarb.com/services/corporate-monitoring

CASE MANAGEMENT & EFFICIENCY

How does FedArb support early dispute resolution?

Early involvement by a FedArb neutral helps parties identify the issues that truly matter, assess risk realistically and avoid unnecessary motion practice or discovery disputes. Neutrals can facilitate targeted discussions, set early case expectations and guide the parties toward resolution long before costs escalate. This structured, front-loaded approach is particularly valuable in complex matters such as antitrust, IP, securities, privacy and class actions, where clarity at the outset often determines the path to settlement.

How does FedArb support efficient discovery management?

FedArb neutrals draw on judicial and litigation experience to design proportional discovery plans, manage ESI and data-production issues, resolve privilege disputes and prevent unnecessary motion practice. They keep the process narrowly focused on the information that actually drives resolution. This disciplined, hands-on approach reduces cost, limits delay and helps parties move through discovery with clarity and efficiency.

Can FedArb neutrals manage large, multi-party or high-stakes cases?

Yes. FedArb neutrals have extensive experience managing complex proceedings involving multiple parties, competing claims, large expert teams and substantial discovery burdens. Their backgrounds in federal court give them the judgment and procedural discipline needed to structure clear timelines, keep issues focused and guide parties through high-stakes matters with efficiency and fairness. This experience is especially valuable in coordinated proceedings and other cases where scale and complexity demand firm, experienced case management.

Explore how FedArb handles MDLs: https://fedarb.com/services/mdl

MASS CLAIMS & COORDINATED PROCEEDINGS

How does FedArb approach large coordinated proceedings or mass arbitration?

FedArb neutrals design structured, transparent frameworks that emphasize fairness, efficiency and predictable timelines for all parties. In mass arbitration matters, they focus on avoiding bottlenecks, streamlining discovery and ensuring that high volumes of claims can be resolved without sacrificing balance or due process. Their backgrounds managing MDLs and other large federal actions give them the judgment and procedural discipline needed to guide complex coordinated proceedings with clarity and confidence.

Learn more: https://fedarb.com/mass-arbitration

READY TO CONNECT?

FedArb can help match you with the right neutral — whether you need an arbitrator, mediator, court-appointed neutral, or special master for a complex dispute.

Contact us to discuss your matter: https://fedarb.com/contact-us

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