In addition, the parties may continue to seek a settlement or reduce
the time necessary to settle a case. Anytime during the prehearing phase,
the arbitration request may be withdrawn by joint consent. Contracts will
often specify whether withdrawal is final and whether a withdrawal is
precedent-setting. The parties also may stipulate certain facts in a case,
agree on applicable contract terms, and prepare joint exhibits. Settlement
after arbitration is requested, but settlement before the hearing occurs
more frequently when the parties' representatives arc not attorneys.