Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner Discusses the Essentials of Labor Arbitration

Date: May 13, 2026

Location: San Francisco, California

Labor lawyer Jessica C. Caggiano recently participated in a panel discussion entitled “Arbitration Bootcamp: Building Your Core,” presented at the 2026 AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance (ULA) Conference. The ULA is a national organization of 2000 union-side lawyers in 500 firms and union legal departments around the country. The panel was moderated by Treyvon Jordan of Beins Axelrod and Keating, and Caggiano was joined by Connie Vallas of IAM International.

The discussion explored the essentials of successfully preparing for and trying a labor arbitration. The panel covered important steps of the pre-hearing process, including arbitrator selection, obtaining subpoenas and other information requests, and witness preparation. The discussion also focused on essential elements of the arbitration hearing itself, including opening statements, direct and cross examination, objections, oral closing arguments and briefing, and Arbitration Award implementation.

Caggiano concentrates her practice on labor law, advocating for union and worker rights at a time when these rights have never been more important. Her work includes handling labor arbitrations, contract bargaining, and litigation for public and private sector unions. She also practices sports labor law, serving as General Counsel to the NWSL Players Association, and was part of the team representing the WNBA Players Association in its recent contract negotiations. She frequently presents, publishes, and trains on a variety of issues, including grievance and arbitration, social media, medical marijuana, and wage equity.