Fee Dispute Program

** COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to the global health pandemic, the DC Bar office is currently not accessible to visitors. Only vaccinated staff may enter the building. However, the Attorney/Client Arbitration Board continues to operate its Fee Arbitration Service. All mediation sessions and arbitration hearings are being held remotely on Zoom. While the DC Bar is unable to accept hand-deliveries, parties are welcome to file by FedEx, UPS, or USPS. Staff continues to check incoming mail regularly and will respond to any inquiries or filings received. You may contact ACAB staff at [email protected] or 202-780-2779.

Attorney/Client Arbitration Board

• About the Attorney/Client Arbitration Board
• File a Petition to Arbitrate a Fee Dispute (This is a 23-page, 501 kb PDF form)
• ACAB Fee Arbitration Service Rules of Procedure (This is a 14-page, 197 kb PDF document)
• Filing Fees

Volunteer Opportunities (Not currently recruiting)

• Lawyer and Non–Lawyer Arbitrators
• Lawyer and Non–Lawyer Mediators

Materials for ACAB Hearing Participants

• D.C. Bar ACAB Remote Hearing Infographic (This is a 1-page, 214 kb PDF)
• D.C. Bar ACAB Remote Arbitration Guidelines for Parties (3-page, 119 kb PDF)

Additional Resources

• D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 376 (Mandatory Arbitration Provisions in Fee Agreements)
• Rules of Professional Conduct