Consolidation in Arbitration

Consolidation is one of several ongoing battlefields in the development of arbitration in America. Consolidating arbitrations among different parties can reduce costs, enhance efficiency and avoid inconsistent decisions. In practice, however, attempts to consolidate arbitrations without the consent of affected parties has resulted in costly litigation, long delays, and legal uncertainties that undermine the benefits of arbitration. Rules do exist concerning the proper use of consolidation, but they are so complex and uncertain that the costs of forcing consolidation on unwilling parties, even where conceptually justifiable, appear to outweigh any benefits secured. When parties consent to consolidation, on the other hand, it can provide important benefits for resolving related cases and identical claims. Even limited forms of consolidation can offer concrete and meaningful benefits.