Join
My BHBA+
My BHBA+
Store

Mandatory Fee Arbitration

This program is a specialized service for resolving fee and/or cost disagreements between clients and their previous attorneys. Serving Los Angeles and Ventura County. The filing fee is 5% of the amount in dispute and never exceeds $5,000.

Beverly Hills Bar Association fee arbitration matters are governed by the State Bar of California rules of procedure for fee arbitrations. While we cannot give you legal advice about your dispute, we are available to assist you with understanding the program and the procedures.

Beverly Hills Bar Association fee arbitration matters are governed by the State Bar of California rules of procedure for fee arbitrations. While we cannot give you legal advice about your dispute, we are available to assist you with understanding the program and the procedures.

Please read the rules carefully and if you have questions, contact the Mandatory Fee Arbitration office at .

In order to initiate and undergo Mandatory Fee Arbitration, all parties must carefully follow established procedures. Select the tab that best applies to you to learn more.

While we cannot give you legal advice about your dispute, we are available to assist you with understanding the program and the procedures. For a better understanding of your rights, please read the rules carefully and if you have questions, contact the Mandatory Fee Arbitration office at .

Do you want to initiate a fee dispute with your Attorney?

Initiate Arbitration

You pay the filing fee after completing the form. The filing fee must be paid at the time of filing this request. The filing fee for arbitration is 5% of the amount in dispute, with a maximum filing fee of $5,000.

The filing fee entitles you to up to four (4) hours of mediation time and /or four (4) hours of arbitration time. If the matter resolves in mediation, the fee can be part of the resolution agreement. If the matter proceeds to arbitration, the fee is then allocated in the arbitration award.

Did you receive a Notice of Client's Right to Arbitration?

If you are initiating the fee dispute because you received a Notice of Client’s Right to Arbitration from the attorney, a returned form will affect your filing date. The filing date is the day that our office receives your completed form. If you do not file by the 30-day deadline as stated in the notice, you will have waived your right to arbitration, thereby allowing the attorney to sue you to collect fees.

Have you been sued?

Download the Notice of Automatic Stay Form >>

If you have been sued, you may stay the action by filing a Notice of Automatic Stay form with a copy of your completed request for arbitration with the court and the attorney. This means the court will stop the proceeding until the mediation/arbitration is complete. Instructions for completing the form can be found here.

Rules of Procedure Governing BHBA Fee Arbitrations
For a better understanding of your rights please read the BHBA Rules of Procedure for Fee Arbitrations. Please also note these important rules references and applicable sections of the B&P Code.