A firm builton plainwords.
Arbiter was founded on a simple idea: clients deserve to understand their own case. Twenty-eight years later, it is still the only rule we never negotiate.
Founded by trial lawyers who were tired of being misunderstood.
Four rules we don’t break.
Partner-led, always
Every matter has a named partner who attends every hearing and signs every advice letter.
Written estimates
Before we start, you receive a written estimate of cost, timeline and risk — updated at every decision point.
Plain language
If we cannot explain it simply, we have not understood it yet. Our advice fits on one page.
Independence
No merger, no outside investors, no conflicts we have to manage around. Just the client in front of us.
Twenty-eight years, on the record.
Founded in Chicago by Eleanor Vance and two colleagues, in a borrowed conference room.
First jury verdict over $10M. The firm grows to twelve lawyers.
New York office opens; Counsel Atlas ranks the litigation team Band 1.
London office opens to serve cross-border transactions and IP.
62 lawyers, three offices, still independent — and still answering the phone.
Three offices, one firm.
The people on your file.
All partners
Want your name on the door?
We hire a handful of associates and laterals each year — people who would rather explain than impress. Send us a letter, not a résumé.
careers@example.com