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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.

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 .

Key Features and Benefits of BHBA's Program
  • State Bar of California Approval: Our program is officially recognized by the State Bar of California Board of Trustees.
 
 
  • Versatility: Both clients and attorneys can utilize the program for dispute resolution, choosing between mediation and arbitration.
 
  • Inclusive Filing Fee: The filing fee is 5% of the amount in dispute and never exceeds $5,000 and encompasses four hours of mediation with a skilled mediator. If mediation doesn’t yield results, the case moves to arbitration without the need for an additional fee or application.
 
  • Structured Hearing Process: For disputes up to $25,000, a single arbitrator presides. Disputes exceeding this amount are typically managed by a three-member panel (two lawyers and one non-lawyer). However, both parties can agree for a single arbitrator to handle larger disputes.
 
  • Eligibility Criteria: The program mainly serves disputes where the attorney’s office is located in Los Angeles or Ventura Counties or if a significant portion of the client’s legal services were rendered there. BHBA membership for attorneys isn’t a prerequisite for the program.
 
  • Expert Arbitrators and Mediators: We pride ourselves on our roster of highly qualified professionals. With years of experience in all practice areas, we ensure that cases are managed by the best-suited individuals. To apply to be an arbitrator or a mediator, click here.