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Arbitration Program

Are you and your lawyer having a disagreement about fees? The North County Bar Association may be able to help.

The bar sponsors a fee dispute arbitration program which can be an efficient and effective alternative to litigation in the resolution of fee disputes between attorneys and clients. The arbitration process normally takes two to three months.

Arbitration provides a fair, speedy, and impartial determination of the facts as presented by both parties. Each party submits a statement of fact prior to a hearing before the arbitrator. During the hearing, the arbitrator, acting as referee, will ask questions and allow for each party to do the same. After the hearing, the arbitrator will render a decision based on the statements of fact and the hearing.

The North County Bar Association's fee dispute arbitration program will consider cases only if the attorney involved in the dispute has an office in Northern San Diego County; or the case is filed in the Vista court; or the client resides in North County. The filing fee for the fee dispute arbitration program is 4% of the amount in dispute.

If you'd like additional information on the fee dispute arbitration program, contact the bar at (760) 758-5833.