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Dear Members,
We’re inviting experienced attorneys to serve as volunteer arbitrators in Beverly Hills Bar Association’s Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program. This role offers a meaningful way to give back to the profession while applying sound judgment to help resolve attorney-client fee disputes in a fair, efficient, and confidential setting—often allowing parties to avoid litigation altogether.
Why Volunteer
- Make a real impact by helping resolve fee disputes efficiently and fairly
- Gain quasi-judicial experience and sharpen evaluation and decision-making skills
- Build professional credibility and recognition within the legal community
- Fulfill professional service goals
- Serve on a flexible, case-by-case basis, with most matters handled remotely
- Gain insight about billing issues raised by clients to improve your billing practices
- Receive free access to BHBA's 25/40-Hour Mediation Training
What You’ll Do
- Review written submissions and supporting materials from both parties
- Participate in arbitration hearings, which typically last up to four hours
- Listen to testimony, evaluate evidence, and serve as a neutral fact-finder
- Issue a written Findings and Award using a provided template and guidance
Procedural matters are handled by BHBA staff and the presiding arbitrator. Hearings are scheduled at mutually agreeable times, and arbitrators are assigned to one matter at a time.
Who Can Volunteer
- Active member of the State Bar of California in good standing
- At least five years of legal practice
- Willingness to complete the required State Bar Mandatory Fee Arbitration training (2 hours), which qualifies for MCLE credit
- Ability to commit to approximately 1–2 cases per year, with the option to take more
The typical time commitment per case includes 1–2 hours of preparation and a 1–4 hour hearing, held via Zoom or in person.
If you’re interested in serving as a Mandatory Fee Arbitration arbitrator, apply here: https://bhba.org/feearbitration/arbitrator-apply/. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at mfa@bhba.org.
Your experience and judgment make a real difference for clients, attorneys, and the profession.
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