Arbitration


Private, Binding Dispute Resolution Outside the Courts

When a dispute requires a final decision but court is too slow, expensive, or public, arbitration offers a practical alternative.

At LETOURNEAU LLP, we provide professional arbitration services for individuals, businesses, unions, and organizations across Aberta and Canada seeking a fair, efficient, and binding resolution without the delays and formality of court.

When Arbitration Makes Sense

Arbitration is often chosen when:
  • a binding decision is required
  • court delays are unacceptable
  • confidentiality is important
  • the parties want flexibility in scheduling and process
  • the dispute is technical, contractual, or specialized
Arbitration allows parties to resolve disputes on their own terms, while still achieving finality and enforceability.

What Is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process in which the parties agree to have an independent, neutral arbitrator hear their dispute and issue a final and binding decision (called an award).

The process is:
  • adversarial, like court — but can be much more flexible
  • governed by rules agreed to in advance
  • legally enforceable, similar to a court order
Types of Arbitration We Conduct

LETOURNEAU LLP arbitrates a wide range of disputes, including:
  • labour grievance and interest arbitration
  • employment and workplace disputes
  • wrongful dismissal matters
  • commercial and contract disputes
  • construction and real estate disputes
  • family law and domestic contract disputes
  • estate and inheritance disputes
  • landlord and tenant disputes
  • professional and billing disputes
If you are unsure whether your dispute is appropriate for arbitration, we are happy to discuss it with you.

Why Choose Arbitration Over Court?

Clients often choose arbitration because it offers:
  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Flexible scheduling (including evenings or multi-day hearings)
  • Tailored procedures, rather than rigid court rules
  • Efficiency and proportionality
  • Final, binding outcomes
  • Limited appeal avenues, providing certainty
Arbitration is particularly effective where parties want a decisive outcome without prolonged litigation.

Our Arbitrator

Adam is a Chartered Arbitrator and Chartered Mediator with extensive experience arbitrating disputes across Canada.

He has arbitrated matters involving:
  • labour and employment law
  • commercial and contractual disputes
  • family and domestic matters
  • complex, multi-party proceedings
  • sports arbitration
  • regulatory and disciplinary matters
Adam is a roster member of the Alberta Labour Relations Grievance Arbitration Roster and is widely respected for fairness, preparation, and clarity of decision-making.

Cost & Process

The cost of arbitration depends on the complexity of the dispute and the time required. We offer:
  • hourly or flat-fee arrangements
  • advance discussion of timelines and costs
  • clear procedural planning before the hearing
Arbitrations may take a few hours, one day, or multiple days depending on the issues involved.  It is possible to do paper-only arbitrations, depending on the circumstances.  We will discuss format and procedures with you before proceeding.

Location & Format

Arbitrations may be held:
  • at our Lethbridge offices
  • virtually
  • or at another agreed-upon location
We have professional meeting facilities suitable for small and medium-sized arbitrations.

Is Arbitration Right for Your Dispute?

Arbitration is not appropriate for every dispute, but it is a powerful option in many situations. We encourage you to contact us to discuss whether arbitration is suitable for your circumstances.

Visit our Arbitration and Mediation FAQ page to learn more.