Federal Judge Criticizes ‘Weird’ Trends in Mass Arbitration and Corporate Evasion Tactics

A California federal judge has raised concerns about the unusual trend of mass arbitration cases while emphasizing the increasingly “creative” strategies employed by companies to skirt arbitration proceedings. Speaking on a law forum panel in San Diego, the judge expressed doubts about the process, labeling it as “weird” and questioning the functional efficacy of the courts. This commentary follows the judge’s earlier determination that Verizon’s arbitration agreements are unconscionable. For further insight into this developing issue, more details are available through Law360’s coverage.