Purvis Systems, Inc. v. American Systems Corp.

OPINION

LEDERBERG, Justice.

Is an arbitrator in a commercial dispute barred from awarding attorney’s fees if the parties’ contract provided that “all expenses of the arbitration” be assessed against the losing party? In this case, a justice of the Superior Court vacated a supplemental award of attorney’s fees and costs after the arbitrator amended an award that did not include attorney’s fees in the expenses awarded. In accordance with the strong public policy in favor of the finality of arbitration awards, we reverse the judgment of the Superior Court and reinstate the arbitrator’s awards.

Facts…