What is expected of you at the arbitration hearing?

Arbitration hearings are informal. You may be required to swear to tell the truth, but that is the only part of the arbitration that resembles a court trial. Either party may elect to be represented by an attorney, but representation by an attorney is not required at the hearing. The Fee Arbitration Program was designed so that the clients can present their side of the dispute without incurring the expense of employing a second attorney to reduce the fee requested by the first attorney. However, hiring an attorney for the fee arbitration process is your decision. If you feel that the amount in issue or other reasons warrant you having your own attorney present, you may be represented by the attorney of your choice. If you do elect to have an attorney present, the fee for the attorney is your responsibility.