You chose arbitration for one main reason: speed.
No sitting in crowded courtrooms. No years‑long appeals.
Just a private, streamlined process to get you an answer and move on.
But now the questions start swirling:
- How long does arbitration really take?
- Is it weeks? Months? A year?
- And what happens during that time?
The truth? Arbitration is faster than court in most cases — but “fast” is relative.bA simple consumer dispute might wrap up in two months.
A complex, multi‑party commercial case could stretch past a year.
Why? Because behind the promise of speed, there’s still a process — and every step has its own timeline.
Filing. Choosing an arbitrator. Scheduling hearings. Exchanging evidence. Issuing the award.
Each part moves at a different pace depending on the parties, the arbitrator, and the rules you’ve agreed to follow.
At Bennett Legal, we walk clients through the entire schedule — start to finish — so there are no surprises.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know the typical arbitration timeline, what can speed it up, and when to expect delays, so you can plan for the process instead of waiting in the dark.
Understanding Arbitration Timelines
Arbitration is designed to resolve disputes more quickly than litigation — but timelines are not one‑size‑fits‑all.
They vary based on three primary factors:
- Type of Arbitration
- Binding arbitration usually has strict deadlines for issuing an award (often 30–60 days after the hearing).
- Non‑binding arbitration may be followed by negotiation or court action, adding extra weeks or months.
- Forum Rules
- Organizations like the AAA (American Arbitration Association), JAMS, and ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) each have their own procedural timelines — from how quickly an arbitrator must be appointed to when hearings must be scheduled.
- Case Complexity
- A single‑issue dispute between two parties moves faster than a multi‑party, high‑stakes commercial or international case with large amounts of evidence and multiple witnesses.
Faster Than Court — But Not Instant
While arbitration omits many formal court steps (like multiple pre‑trial motions, extended discovery, and appeals), it still involves:
- Agreement on procedural rules.
- Scheduling around multiple calendars.
- Sufficient time to prepare and present evidence.
Typical ranges:
- Simple Consumer Arbitration: 1–3 months from filing to award.
- Domestic Business Dispute: 4–8 months.
- International Arbitration: 8–12+ months.
Knowing your likely timeline up front allows you to prepare financially, logistically, and emotionally — and helps you avoid surprises if the “fast track” turns into a longer road.
11 Factors That Affect Arbitration Timelines
1. Number of Arbitrators
The number of arbitrators in your case changes everything. A single arbitrator means one person reviewing evidence, managing hearings, and writing the award. A panel (usually three) introduces more perspectives — but also more scheduling nightmares.
When It Speeds Up:
- Dispute assigned to a single, readily available arbitrator.
- Sole arbitrator has light calendar and can prioritize your case.
When It Slows Down:
- Panel of three with conflicting schedules.
- Need for lengthy deliberation between panel members before issuing an award.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Unless your case demands the balance a panel can bring, opt for a single arbitrator to cut complexity, coordination issues, and costs.
2. Discovery Scope
Discovery is the process of exchanging evidence. Arbitration allows you to limit this — unlike the expansive, court-style discovery in litigation.
When It Speeds Up:
- Both parties agree to a narrow, targeted set of documents.
- Limited or no depositions.
- Agreement to exchange critical evidence early.
When It Slows Down:
- Broad discovery requests covering unrelated matters.
- Multiple depositions with scheduling conflicts.
- Disputes over discovery scope needing arbitrator rulings.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Insist on early agreement for discovery limits. Tight scope prevents “fishing expeditions” and keeps the case focused.
3. Hearing Format
Hearings can happen in person or virtually. Physical location needs travel and venue arrangements, while virtual hearings use video technology to connect participants instantly.
When It Speeds Up:
- Parties agree to virtual hearings.
- Arbitrator is comfortable with remote technology.
- Fewer evidence items requiring physical inspection.
When It Slows Down:
- In-person hearings require travel for multiple participants.
- Venue booking delays or limited availability.
- Witnesses unable to attend in person on the same schedule.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Push for virtual hearings, even partially — for preliminary matters, smaller witnesses, or uncontested issues — to save weeks or months.
4. Scope of Issues
A precise scope of disputed issues keeps your arbitration tight. Multiple unrelated arguments balloon timelines quickly.
When It Speeds Up:
- Parties drop minor claims before hearings.
- Dispute focuses on one or two key legal questions.
- Facts and damages clearly defined early.
When It Slows Down:
- Broad list of claims or counterclaims.
- Complex technical disputes needing multiple expert witnesses.
- Overlapping contract and statutory claims.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Work with counsel to identify the high-value issues and cut out anything that’s unlikely to change the outcome.
5. Party Cooperation
Arbitration’s speed depends heavily on how well the parties work together — at least when it comes to procedure.
When It Speeds Up:
- Agreement on scheduling without external intervention.
- Collaborative document exchange.
- Stipulations to narrow issues and avoid procedural fights.
When It Slows Down:
- Refusal to agree on basic scheduling items.
- Strategic stalling (intentionally dragging feet).
- Procedural disputes requiring arbitrator time.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Agree on procedural basics upfront. The less time spent arguing logistics, the faster the resolution.
6. Arbitrator Experience
An arbitrator familiar with your industry or dispute type works faster and rules more decisively.
When It Speeds Up:
- Arbitrator has extensive subject-matter experience.
- Familiarity with common evidence types in the field.
When It Slows Down:
- Arbitrator must research basic industry practices.
- Long deliberations due to unfamiliar concepts.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Choose an arbitrator from specialized rosters where relevant expertise shortens the learning curve.
7. Case Complexity
Complexity rises with the number of parties, legal issues, and factual disputes involved.
When It Speeds Up:
- Two-party case with straightforward facts.
- Minimal expert testimony.
When It Slows Down:
- Multi-party commercial disputes.
- Cases with technical or regulatory components.
- Need for multiple expert analyses.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Streamline wherever possible — consolidate parties or settle smaller sub-issues before the main hearing.
8. Witness & Evidence Volume
The number of witnesses and volume of exhibits directly impacts how long hearings last — and how long awards take to write.
When It Speeds Up:
- Limited key witnesses.
- Small, specific exhibit list.
When It Slows Down:
- Dozens of witnesses with conflicting schedules.
- Massive volumes of documents needing review.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Prepare witnesses in advance and trim exhibit lists to only what strengthens the argument.
9. Scheduling Conflicts
An uncoordinated calendar can ruin a tight arbitration plan.
When It Speeds Up:
- Early agreement on hearing dates and deadlines.
- Arbitrator with open availability.
When It Slows Down:
- Popular arbitrators with full dockets.
- Parties unwilling to compromise on dates.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Lock hearing dates early in the process — during the preliminary conference — to prevent drift.
10. Procedural Disputes
Arguments over procedure delay the actual resolution of the case.
When It Speeds Up:
- Clear adoption of arbitration rules with no disputes.
- Parties accept arbitrator’s early rulings without appeal attempts.
When It Slows Down:
- Fights over admissibility, scope, or process.
- Requests for rule modifications mid-case.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Pick a recognized arbitration body and stick to its rules unless all parties agree to changes upfront.
11. Type of Arbitration
The type of arbitration you choose plays a big role in the overall timeline.
Binding Arbitration
Once the award is issued, the process effectively ends. Enforcement, if needed, is usually fast — you take the award to court, have it confirmed as a judgment, and use legal tools to compel compliance. This keeps the timeline tight, often within the original organizational deadlines.
Non‑Binding Arbitration
After the award, parties can accept it or reject it. If it’s rejected, you may negotiate further or go to court for litigation. That adds weeks or months to the timeline. While non‑binding arbitration can provide valuable insight into how an arbitrator views the case, it’s not a true finish line unless both parties agree to follow the recommendation. Binding arbitration ends with the award; non-binding can lead to further steps.
When It Speeds Up:
- Binding award issued and enforced immediately if needed.
When It Slows Down:
- Non-binding award rejected, followed by further litigation.
Bennett Legal Insider Tip: Select binding arbitration if closure and speed are more important than keeping court options open.
Quick At-a-Glance Summary Table
| Factor | Speeds Up | Slows Down |
| Number of Arbitrators | Single arbitrator | Panel with scheduling conflicts |
| Discovery Scope | Narrow, agreed early | Broad, contested discovery |
| Hearing Format | Virtual | In-person with travel/logistics |
| Scope of Issues | Few, high-value issues | Broad, multi-claim scope |
| Party Cooperation | Collaborative scheduling | Procedural fights & stalling |
| Arbitrator Experience | Subject-matter expert | Unfamiliar with case type |
| Case Complexity | Simple, 2-party disputes | Multi-party, technical issues |
| Witness & Evidence Volume | Limited witnesses/documents | Large lists & exhibits |
| Scheduling Conflicts | Dates locked in early | Last-minute changes/unavailability |
| Procedural Disputes | Rules agreed upfront | Arguments over rules/process |
| Type of Arbitration | Binding | Non-binding with extra steps |
Typical Arbitration Timeline — Step by Step
While every arbitration case has its quirks, most follow a fairly standard progression.
Here’s what you can expect from filing to the finish line:
1. Filing and Initiation
The claimant (the party bringing the dispute) files a formal demand for arbitration with the chosen arbitration body (e.g., AAA, JAMS) and pays the filing fee. This document outlines the nature of the dispute, what’s being claimed, and the relief sought.
2. Respondent’s Answer
The responding party (the one being accused or sued) files an answer within the deadline set by the arbitration rules — typically 14–30 days. This includes their defenses, counterclaims, or other relevant positions.
3. Selection of Arbitrator(s)
Both parties either agree on a neutral arbitrator or follow the organization’s procedure to select one (or a panel) from a list. Selection usually takes 2–4 weeks depending on how quickly both sides agree.
4. Preliminary Conference
The arbitrator holds a scheduling meeting (often virtual) to set timelines for evidence exchange, hearing dates, procedural rules, and filing deadlines. This is a crucial stage for controlling the length of the process.
5. Exchange of Evidence / Discovery
Parties exchange documents, witness lists, and other evidence. Discovery in arbitration is typically shorter and less formal than in court — often 30–60 days — but can expand if the case is complex.
6. Hearing Date(s)
The formal arbitration hearing takes place. This may be one day for a simple case or several multi‑day sessions spread over weeks for complex disputes. Hearings are similar to trials but more streamlined.
7. Arbitration Award Issued
After the hearing, the arbitrator issues a written decision (the “award”) within a set deadline — commonly 14–60 days depending on the organization’s rules. In binding arbitration, this is final; in non‑binding arbitration, it’s advisory only.
8. Possible Enforcement (Binding) or Next Steps (Non‑Binding)
- Binding: If the losing party doesn’t voluntarily comply, the award can be confirmed in court and enforced like a judgment.
- Non‑binding: Parties may negotiate further or move to court for litigation.
Average Duration by Case Type
While no two disputes are identical, arbitration timelines tend to fall into predictable ranges depending on the type of case, the complexity of issues, and the level of cooperation between the parties.
1. Consumer Disputes — 1 to 3 Months from Filing to Award
Smaller‑scale disputes, such as warranty disagreements, billing errors, or service complaints, move quickly through arbitration.
They often involve fewer witnesses, limited evidence, and single‑day hearings.
If both sides are responsive and an arbitrator is appointed promptly, these cases can close in weeks — but even minor scheduling issues can stretch them closer to three months.
2. Domestic Commercial Disputes — 4 to 8 Months
Business‑to‑business disputes, employment claims, or contract breaches generally require more preparation and evidence exchange.
Discovery may be longer, and hearing sessions more extensive, especially if complex contracts or industry standards are involved.
Efficiency depends heavily on issue narrowing before hearings and the prompt appointment of an arbitrator or panel.
3. International Arbitration — 8 to 12+ Months
Cross‑border disputes introduce extra layers of complexity: language translation, differing legal systems, and potential travel logistics.
Venue selection alone can add weeks, while coordinating witnesses and legal teams across multiple jurisdictions can lead to repeated calendar delays.
It’s common for award issuance to take longer as arbitrators navigate more extensive records and multi‑day hearings.
Knowing the Timeline Means Owning the Process
Arbitration may promise speed, but your experience depends on type, scope, and cooperation.
Knowing each stage, what affects the pace, and where delays creep in lets you plan around the process instead of being caught off‑guard.
Arbitration done right can be both fast and fair — but left unmanaged, delays can erode its biggest selling point.
At Bennett Legal, we:
- Streamline evidence and discovery to reduce prep time.
- Push for prompt arbitrator selection to avoid early bottlenecks.
- Advocate for virtual and flexible hearings to maximize speed.
- Keep parties and arbitrators accountable for agreed deadlines.
- Protect clients from unnecessary postponements that inflate costs and drag disputes out.
We’ve seen cases resolved in weeks — and we’ve pulled stalled cases back on track when they threatened to stretch past a year.
Whether you want binding closure in months or prefer the flexible insight of non‑binding arbitration, Bennett Legal ensures your case stays on track, on schedule, and on your terms.
Because in dispute resolution, time isn’t just money — it’s momentum.
FAQs
Q1: How long does arbitration usually take?
Anywhere from 1–12 months depending on complexity, cooperation, and whether it’s binding or non‑binding.
Q2: Can arbitration be faster than court?
Yes — most arbitration concludes months or years earlier than litigation, but it’s still subject to scheduling, procedural disputes, and preparation needs.
Q3: What’s the fastest arbitration can happen?
Extremely simple consumer disputes can settle in weeks if evidence is minimal and parties cooperate.
Q4: How long after the hearing is the decision issued?
Commonly 14–60 days depending on organizational rules and whether extensions are granted.
Q5: Can arbitration be delayed?
Yes — delays happen for reasons ranging from complex procedural disputes to witness availability issues.
