Vacatur
Vacatur is a legal term that refers to the process of making void or canceling a previous arbitration award or court order. In simpler terms, it's like hitting an "undo" button on a legal decision. When you see this term on a resume, it usually means the person has experience in challenging or overturning arbitration decisions. This is an important skill in the arbitration field, similar to how an appeals process works in regular courts. Other terms you might see that mean similar things are "motion to vacate" or "petition to vacate."
Examples in Resumes
Successfully handled Vacatur proceedings resulting in overturned arbitration awards
Filed multiple Vacatur motions in federal and state courts
Advised clients on grounds for Vacatur in international arbitration cases
Typical job title: "Arbitration Attorneys"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Arbitration Attorneys
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Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: What are the most challenging vacatur cases you've handled and how did you approach them?
Expected Answer: A senior attorney should discuss complex cases involving international arbitration awards, multiple jurisdictions, and their strategy for successfully vacating awards. They should mention their understanding of different grounds for vacatur and success rates.
Q: How do you evaluate the chances of success for a vacatur petition?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for reviewing arbitration awards, identifying potential grounds for vacatur, and assessing likelihood of success based on jurisdiction and precedent. Should mention client counseling aspects.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the common grounds for vacatur in your jurisdiction?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic grounds like arbitrator misconduct, exceeding powers, evident partiality, and corruption in simple terms. Should demonstrate knowledge of relevant statutes.
Q: Explain the process of filing a vacatur motion.
Expected Answer: Should describe the procedural steps, timing requirements, and basic documentation needed for filing a vacatur motion in both state and federal courts.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is vacatur and why is it important in arbitration?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that vacatur is the process of challenging an arbitration award and why it serves as an important check on the arbitration process.
Q: What research skills are needed for vacatur cases?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic legal research abilities, finding relevant cases and statutes, and understanding how to review arbitration awards for potential grounds for vacatur.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic legal research and writing
- Understanding of arbitration process
- Familiarity with court procedures
- Document review and organization
Mid (3-6 years)
- Draft vacatur motions independently
- Handle court appearances
- Review arbitration awards
- Client communication
Senior (7+ years)
- Lead complex vacatur cases
- International arbitration experience
- Strategy development
- Mentor junior attorneys
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with arbitration proceedings
- Lack of court filing experience
- Poor understanding of legal research methods
- No knowledge of Federal Arbitration Act
