The State Bar's Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program is an informal, confidential and lower cost forum for resolving fee disputes between lawyers and their clients. This kind of arbitration is required for a lawyer if requested by a client.
Most fee arbitration is conducted through local bar association programs. To request fee arbitration, contact the local county bar program where the majority of legal services were provided, typically the county where the lawyer's office is located. The State Bar provides fee arbitration only when there is no local bar program. Mediation of a fee dispute is voluntary and may be available through local bar associations.
For more information or assistance, call the State Bar Office of Mandatory Fee Arbitration at 415-538-2020.