pre-dispute arbitration

A recent blog by Professor Jeff Sovern, occasioned by the recent Senate hearing on consumer arbitration clauses, recycles two of his favorite talking points: (1) consumers don’t understand arbitration clauses, and (2) consumers only benefit from post-dispute, not pre-dispute, arbitration.  We’ve heard it all before, and our previous responses to his earlier iterations of those same arguments have stood the test of time.… Continue Reading

In a recent “open letter” to newly confirmed CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, Professor Jeff Sovern asks the agency not to forget about “arbitration” as it implements its regulatory agenda.  He argues that “[p]re-dispute arbitration clauses remain a serious limit on consumer protection” and can even “blow up their lives.”… Continue Reading

In a recent guest post, Professor Mark Budnitz voiced support for Professor Jeff Sovern’s recent proposal that the CFPB issue a rule barring the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements unless consumers opt in to them.  He claims it is the “only fair method” for contracting with consumers because “consumers cannot know, pre-dispute, which forum is better.” … Continue Reading