What experience must the arbitrator have in franchise law for All Team disputes?
All_Team Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Arbitration. In the event that the federal court described above does not have subject matter jurisdiction over the dispute, the parties, subject to all other provisions above, will submit the dispute to binding arbitration conducted in Tampa, FL (unless the parties mutually agree otherwise). The arbitration proceeding will be conducted in accordance with the then current commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA Rules"), except to the extent the AAA Rules differ from the terms of this Agreement, in which event the terms of this Agreement will apply. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the arbitration does not have to be conducted under the AAA. The arbitrator must be mutually selected by the parties and must have at least 5 years of substantial experience in franchise law. Each party will be limited to 25 document requests, 15 interrogatories and 1 deposition unless otherwise agreed to between the parties. For purposes of this Section, if any dispute that names, involves or includes ATFC, it respective affiliates, officers, directors, agents, brokers or employees, such persons or entities shall also be included in and made party to the arbitration proceeding to the extent such parties consent to proceeding forward in arbitration.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 34–161)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Team's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any dispute that cannot be resolved in federal court will be submitted to binding arbitration. The arbitrator selected by both parties must have a minimum of 5 years of substantial experience in franchise law.
This requirement ensures that the arbitrator possesses adequate knowledge of the specific legal issues that commonly arise in franchise disputes. This experience is crucial for fairly assessing the arguments presented by both All Team and the franchisee, interpreting the franchise agreement accurately, and making informed decisions.
This stipulation aims to provide a level playing field by ensuring the arbitrator is well-versed in the complexities of franchise law, which can be quite different from general business law. Franchisees should confirm the arbitrator's credentials and experience before agreeing to the selection.