Vega

FACTS

From early January to mid-February 2012, Vega worked for Frandeli as an independent human resources consultant. She was then hired as a full-time employee. According to Vega, on the first day of her employment, she was given paperwork to complete, including the agreement, and was told that she “had to sign the agreement as a condition of employment with Frandeli. [Human resources representative Nancy] Caron told me that if I did not sign the Arbitration Agreement, Frandeli could not hire me.” Vega signed the agreement, which is a five-page, stand-alone document. It was signed by Angy Chin, chief financial officer, on Frandeli’s behalf. According to Chin, she met with Vega and “took whatever time was necessary to explain the contents of Ms. Vega’s new hire packet.” Chin does not contradict Vega’s statement that she was told signing the agreement was required as a condition of employment; indeed, she admits signing the agreement was required. The record does not include a declaration by Caron. The first paragraph of the agreement stated: “Except as otherwise mutually agreed in writing, the Parties hereby irrevocably agree to arbitrate in accordance with the terms of this…