Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Center – Chicago, IL

Mandatory Arbitration Center

The Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Center is located on the 13th floor of the building at 222 North LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago. This facility is a key component of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s alternative dispute resolution system. It handles cases from the First Municipal District (City of Chicago) and the Law Division that have been assigned to mandatory arbitration. The goal of the center is to provide a quicker, less formal, and less costly method for resolving civil disputes compared to a traditional jury trial.

Arbitration Process

Cases heard here typically involve civil suits seeking money damages of $30,000 or less, or specific Law Division cases deemed amenable to arbitration.

• Hearings: Disputes are heard by a panel of three arbitrators (licensed attorneys) who act as judges. They review evidence and listen to arguments from both sides.
• Efficiency: Hearings are strictly scheduled and typically last about two hours. Parties must arrive on time; tardiness can result in penalties or a default judgment.
• Awards: After the hearing, the panel issues an ‘award’ (decision). Parties can accept the award or reject it and proceed to a trial, subject to rejection fees.

Visitor Instructions

The Arbitration Center is located in a private office building, not a public courthouse, but court rules still apply. Visitors must check in at the building’s lobby security desk and present a valid government-issued photo ID to receive a pass to the 13th floor. Participants should check in with the arbitration staff 30 minutes prior to their scheduled hearing time.