Join the SDCBA Pro Bono
Fee Arbitration Program
Volunteer for the SDCBA Fee Arbitration Program
The SDCBA Fee Arbitration program offers parties an opportunity to resolve fee disputes as an alternative to taking disputes to court. We're looking for attorneys and members of the public to volunteer to become arbitrators. This is an opportunity to serve the community as a pro bono volunteer by assisting those who need to resolve serious issues involving attorney fees (the position is not compensated).
How it Works
Fee Arbitration hearings usually last half a day. A written document of Findings and Award is prepared based on the decision of the Arbitration Panel. Procedural matters are handled by the Coordinator of the Fee Arbitration Committee of the County Bar Association and the Presiding Arbitrator for each panel. Arbitrators are assigned to only one matter at a time and may serve as frequently as requested. Matters are set for hearing at mutually agreeable times.
Qualifications
Arbitrators are professionals with reasonable experience in dealing with contractual matters, a willingness to listen to both parties, and experience as a volunteer in a community. We are looking for people who are willing to evaluate fee disputes between clients and their attorneys.
Applicants must provide a list of six personal references. Arbitrators are fact finders. They review written material provided by the parties, listen to the presentations of the parties, and then determine how much, if anything, remains due or must be refunded.
Commitment
If you are interested in being an SDCBA arbitrator below are a list of qualifications:
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Must be a current SDCBA member
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Licensed attorney in practice for over 5 years
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Attend or view a mandatory State Bar of CA Fee Arbitration Training video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tHlNbuvCJE
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Take 1-2 cases per year, you may take more cases if you wish.
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Complete the SDCBA Arbitrator application. https://www.sdcba.org/docDownload/1088926
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Time commitment average per case- 1–2-hour preparation and reviewing case and attend a 1–3-hour hearing in person or via Zoom.
How to Volunteer
Please complete the application below and send it to us by postal mail or email. Thank you for applying!
Send by Mail:
San Diego County Bar Association
Attn: Michelle Chavez
401 West A Street, Suite 1100
San Diego, CA 92101
Send by Email
mchavez (@) sdcba (dot) org
Once approved, you'll need to view a Fee Arbitration training video. Please call the program at 619-321-4154 to request your training DVD.