Why Apply to be a State Bar Mandatory Fee Arbitrator?

The State Bar is actively recruiting for volunteer fee arbitrators. Attorney and nonattorney applicants are welcome to apply. Go to application form now.

Background

Most fee arbitration cases are handled by local bar associations. When a fee dispute arises, clients typically contact the local county bar where the legal services were provided.

If no local bar program exists, the State Bar steps in.

While applications will be considered regardless of where you work and live, State Bar arbitrators are particularly needed in the following counties:

  • Alameda
  • Butte/El Dorado/Placer/Yolo
  • Contra Costa
  • San Francisco
  • San Mateo
  • Ventura

What's in it for you?

For all arbitrators

  • Help your community and find personal fulfillment in resolving disputes.
  • Gain professional experience to advance your career.
  • Network with other professionals throughout California.

For attorney arbitrators

  • Expand your practice to include an interesting area of law.
  • Meet pro bono service requirements, if your firm has them.
  • Gain quasi-judicial experience.
  • Learn best billing practices to avoid fee disputes in your own practice.

What the work entails

  • Attorney arbitrators may serve as sole or panel arbitrators (up to three members).
  • Review electronic case files.
  • Hear testimony and evidence during the hearing, typically held via Zoom.
  • Draft written arbitration decisions after the hearing.
  • Online training is available and required every three years.

Who can apply?

Attorney arbitrators

Minimum requirements:

  • Active license in good standing with the State Bar for at least five years or a retired judge.
  • No pending investigations or disciplinary actions.
  • Basic technology skills.

Preferred qualifications:

  • 10–20 years of experience.
  • Desired practice areas: family law, criminal law, estate planning, immigration.
  • Strong writing skills.
  • Comfortable conducting Zoom hearings.
  • Experience as a temporary judge (judge pro tem) is a plus.

Lay arbitrators

Lay arbitrators are often accountants, appraisers, Realtors, and others who have:

  • Experience in mediation and conflict resolution.
  • Background in financial/fiduciary roles.
  • Familiarity with reviewing contracts.
  • Flexible schedule (e.g., self-employed or retired professionals).

Minimum requirements:

  • No bar license: Must have never been an active or inactive licensee of any state bar or the District of Columbia.
  • No legal employment or education: Must not have regularly worked for a law office, court, or attended law school. Must not have worked as a paralegal, law firm staff, or law clerk.
  • No felony or moral turpitude convictions: Must have no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving dishonesty.
  • Basic technology skills.

Ready to make a difference?

Join us in ensuring fair resolution of fee disputes while gaining invaluable experience.

Apply now

All arbitrators must complete a comprehensive fee arbitrator training before hearing their first case. The State Bar offers a free e-learning course.