Arbitration Services

Fair, Efficient and Well-Managed Arbitration

Thomas P. Valenti has served as an arbitrator since 1990. He brings more than 45 years of legal experience, substantial litigation knowledge, and extensive dispute-resolution training to each matter.

Tom understands that arbitration must provide the parties with a fair opportunity to be heard while avoiding unnecessary cost and delay. He works with counsel to establish clear procedures, manage the case efficiently, and keep the proceeding proportionate to the dispute.

Matters Arbitrated

Tom is available to arbitrate disputes involving:

  • Commercial and business matters
  • Contracts
  • Consumer matters
  • Personal injury
  • Healthcare and medical issues
  • Property damage
  • Products and premises liability
  • Construction matters
  • Employment and workplace disputes
  • Other civil matters

Approach to Arbitration

Tom’s arbitration practice emphasizes:

  • Impartiality and independence
  • Early identification of procedural issues
  • Clear and realistic scheduling
  • Efficient management of discovery and motions
  • Respectful treatment of counsel, parties, and witnesses
  • Careful consideration of the evidence and governing law
  • Clear, timely decisions

Procedures can be adapted to the complexity and value of the dispute while preserving fairness and the parties’ right to present their cases.

Arbitration Qualifications

Tom is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is credentialed in Digital Arbitration Practice. His panel experience includes:

  • American Arbitration Association
  • FINRA Public Panel
  • CPR Panel of Distinguished Neutrals
  • Circuit Court of Cook County Commercial Calendar
  • New Era ADR
  • American Board of Neutrals
  • Other domestic and international arbitration organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of disputes can be arbitrated?

Arbitration may be appropriate for many civil and commercial disputes, including business, contract, employment, consumer, financial-services, and professional matters.

How does arbitration differ from mediation?

An arbitrator hears the evidence and arguments and renders a decision. A mediator facilitates negotiation but does not decide the dispute. The applicable agreement and arbitration rules determine whether an award is binding.

What arbitration roles does Tom accept?

Tom is available to serve as a sole arbitrator, panel member, or panel chair, subject to the applicable arbitration agreement, forum rules, and conflict review.

Are virtual hearings available?

Yes. Hearings and preliminary conferences may be conducted online, in person, or through a combination of both, depending on the case and the participants’ needs.

Is arbitration confidential?

The privacy and confidentiality of an arbitration depend on the parties’ agreement, the applicable institutional rules, and governing law. These issues should be addressed at the beginning of the proceeding.

How are arbitration fees determined?

Fees depend on the applicable provider or panel, the complexity of the dispute, the anticipated hearing time, and related case-management requirements.

How do I inquire about availability?

Use the Contact page and provide the names of the parties and counsel, the administering organization if any, the general nature of the dispute, and relevant deadlines. Please do not include confidential or sensitive information before conflicts are checked.Discuss an Arbitration

To inquire about availability, conflicts, fees, procedures, or scheduling:

Thomas P. Valenti
Email: tpv@valentilaw.com
Telephone: 312-925-0081

Request Arbitration Information