Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program & Resources

Why Apply to be a State Bar Mandatory Fee Arbitrator? Apply to Be a Mandatory Fee Arbitrator Mandatory Fee Arbitration Approved Programs Arbitration Advisories

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 Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program at 415-538-2020.

Forms and resources

When clients have a dispute with their attorneys, lawyers are required to give their clients a notice indicating that they have an option to go to arbitration. Listed below are fee arbitration forms and resources for attorneys.

Members of the public can visit our Fee Disputes webpage for consumer-oriented Mandatory Fee Arbitration forms and information.

Fee arbitration forms for attorneys

Additional resources