Arbitration and Administrative Proceedings

At Caffarelli & Associates Ltd., we represent employees in both arbitration proceedings and administrative agency investigations, helping them enforce their rights and obtain legal remedies in venues outside of the traditional courtroom.

Arbitration: An Alternative to Court

Arbitration is a form of private dispute resolution where a neutral third party, called an arbitrator, hears evidence and arguments from both sides and issues a binding decision. Many employment contracts or company policies now include arbitration clauses requiring that workplace disputes be resolved in arbitration instead of in court. While arbitration is often presented as a streamlined and efficient alternative to litigation, it can also present unique challenges for employees—especially when facing large employers with extensive legal resources.

At Caffarelli & Associates Ltd., we have deep experience advocating for workers in arbitration, including proceedings administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the leading institution for employment arbitration in the U.S. Our founder, Alejandro Caffarelli, serves as an arbitrator on the AAA’s employment law panel, giving him valuable insight into how arbitrators evaluate evidence and make decisions. This experience allows our firm to craft persuasive legal arguments tailored to the arbitration process. In addition to AAA matters, our attorneys also represent employees in arbitrations conducted before other neutral arbitrators across a range of forums.

Arbitration proceedings differ from traditional court litigation in several ways. Arbitrators are often attorneys or retired judges with employment law experience. Hearings are typically less formal than court trials, and strict rules of evidence may not apply. The process begins with filing a demand for arbitration, followed by the selection of an arbitrator, exchange of documents (discovery), and a hearing where both parties present their case. Once the arbitrator issues a decision, it is usually final and binding, with very limited grounds for appeal.

We help employees understand their rights under arbitration agreements and ensure they are not forced into unfair or one-sided proceedings. Whether the dispute involves wrongful termination, unpaid wages, harassment, or discrimination, our firm is committed to leveling the playing field and holding employers accountable.

Representation Before Government Agencies

In addition to arbitration, we also represent employees in administrative proceedings before federal and state agencies charged with enforcing workplace rights. These agencies include:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Investigates claims of workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, sex, religion, age, disability, and other protected categories under federal law. A charge must be filed with the EEOC before a federal lawsuit can be brought for most discrimination claims. We guide clients through the EEOC process—from initial charge filing to mediation, investigation, and right-to-sue letters.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Enforces workplace safety standards. We represent whistleblowers and employees who have reported unsafe conditions or suffered retaliation for doing so.
• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR): Investigates claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under the Illinois Human Rights Act. We assist employees in filing charges, responding to employer position statements, and preparing for fact-finding conferences or hearings.
• Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL): Handles claims involving wage theft, unpaid overtime, misclassification of employees, and violations of state labor laws. Our firm helps workers recover unpaid compensation through IDOL’s investigative and hearing process.

Each agency has its own procedural rules and deadlines, which can be difficult to navigate without experienced legal counsel. Our attorneys work closely with clients to build strong cases, respond to agency inquiries, and pursue favorable outcomes—whether through negotiated settlements or administrative hearings.

If you are involved in an arbitration or have a pending matter before a government agency, contact Caffarelli & Associates Ltd. today to speak with an attorney who will fight for your rights.