I was Chairman of a Panel. At the Pretrial Hearing Claimant asked for an an Expedited Hearing as his client was elderly and ill. The attorneys had first been asked if the Panel , as constituted was satisfactory and t]both counsel agreed it was. The panel requested an expedited hearing and Respondent counsel advised they were too busy and not available. As Chairman i advised that an expedited hearing would be held. Respondent then advised the panel was not acceptable and I should be recused. I later learned the case was settled, but I received a complaint call from FINRA. I was chastised for not being reasonable and the rule regarding expedited Arbitration is merely advisory. i note, I have received no new cases since the incident. I do not believe the matter was handled appropriately.
David Slater Comment On Regulatory Notice 22-09
I was Chairman of a Panel. At the Pretrial Hearing Claimant asked for an an Expedited Hearing as his client was elderly and ill. The attorneys had first been asked if the Panel , as constituted was satisfactory and t]both counsel agreed it was. The panel requested an expedited hearing and Respondent counsel advised they were too busy and not available. As Chairman i advised that an expedited hearing would be held. Respondent then advised the panel was not acceptable and I should be recused. I later learned the case was settled, but I received a complaint call from FINRA. I was chastised for not being reasonable and the rule regarding expedited Arbitration is merely advisory. i note, I have received no new cases since the incident. I do not believe the matter was handled appropriately.