Arbitration

Case Messaging

Arbitration cases use a structured messaging system instead of open group chat. Messages are encrypted at rest and organized by subject line, providing formal, trackable communications between the arbitrator and case parties. Both the arbitrator on the console and parties through the portal can send and receive messages.

What you'll learn

How the messaging system differs from mediation chat
How to use arbitrator controls (messaging toggle, groundrules)
How HIPAA cases handle messaging
How parties access messages through the portal

Key features

Structured messaging

The Messages tab replaces the old Chat tab on arbitration cases. Each message has a subject line, making communications more formal and easier to reference later. All messages are encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption.

Arbitrator controls

Party messaging toggle — Enable or disable party messaging on a per-case basis. When turned off, parties see a locked state explaining that messaging is disabled, but the arbitrator can still send messages to them.
Communication Groundrules — A text area where you can write guidelines that parties must review before messaging. Use this to set expectations about response timeframes, acceptable topics, professional conduct, and communication boundaries.

HIPAA support

For HIPAA cases, the messaging system shows HIPAA-specific branding: a "HIPAA Secure Messages" header, a PHI acknowledgment checkbox that parties must check before sending, and compliance badges. Non-HIPAA arbitration cases get clean "Case Messages" branding. The same encryption applies either way.

Mediation cases

Mediation cases are not affected by this change — they continue to use the existing real-time group chat and caucus room system.

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