What it is
A request asking the court to set aside an arbitration award. The grounds are narrow, such as corruption, evident partiality, serious arbitrator misconduct, or the arbitrator exceeding powers.
Post-trial
Motion to Vacate Arbitration Award
Asks the court to set aside an arbitration award under narrow statutory grounds.
When it's used
Filed after an arbitration loss when the losing party believes the process was fundamentally defective under the Federal Arbitration Act or a parallel state arbitration statute.
What the other side does
The award winner argues arbitration awards receive heavy deference, the movant is rearguing the merits, and none of the statutory vacatur grounds are met.
Common outcomes
Vacatur is uncommon. The court may deny the motion and confirm the award, vacate the award, or in limited cases modify or correct the award.
Not legal advice. Motion practice varies by court,
judge, and case type. Local rules and standing orders frequently
modify the federal defaults shown here. If you're facing a motion
or considering filing one, talk to a lawyer about strategy and
timing for your specific case.