Austin Bar Association Fee Dispute Committee

Fee Dispute Bylaws | Fee Dispute Application | Mediation Agreement | Binding Arbitration Agreement

The Austin Bar Fee Dispute Committee is composed of attorney and non-attorney volunteers who mediate and arbitrate fee disputes between lawyers and clients and disputes between lawyers.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost for the dispute resolution service provided by the Austin Bar.

What dispute resolution services does the Fee Dispute Committee provide?

The Fee Dispute Committee provides both mediation and binding arbitration. Mediation is a dispute resolution process in which neutral persons meet with the parties together and separately to discuss the dispute and to work with the parties to generate a solution. Binding arbitration is a process in which the parties present their case to the arbitration panel and the panel issues a decision which the parties must accept.

How do I submit my Fee Dispute to the Austin Bar?

A client who has a fee dispute with an attorney who is a member of the Austin Bar Association or with an attorney who is a resident of Travis County, Texas may contact the Austin Bar Association at 472-0279 and request forms for filing a formal written request with the Austin Bar. Or, forms may be downloaded from this site.

Any attorney who is a member of the Austin Bar Association or who resides or regularly practices in Travis County, Texas may file a formal written request.

Formal requests may also be filed by any judge of any court located in Travis County, by State Bar of Texas Grievance Committees, and by the Office of General Counsel of the State Bar of Texas.

Who is subject to Austin Bar Fee Dispute Rules?

Attorneys who practice before the Courts of Travis County or render legal services to residents of Travis County.

What happens once I file my formal written request?

The written request will be reviewed by the Chair of the Austin Bar Fee Dispute Committee and Austin Bar staff to determine whether the matter is appropriate for Committee consideration. Assuming the dispute is within the committee's jurisdiction, the Chair will assign the matter to committee members for resolution. The Austin Bar staff will contact you to set a date for the proceedings.

When and where are mediations and arbitrations held?

All proceedings are conducted at the Austin Bar's office at 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700 in Austin, Texas. Mediations and arbitrations begin at 4 p.m. and generally end by 7 p.m.

What if my dispute does not settle at mediation?

If mediation does not settle your dispute, then the matter may go to binding arbitration. You may go to court to enforce the arbitration award if the other party fails to pay the arbitration award.

What happens if a client files a formal written request, but an attorney refuses to cooperate or to participate?

If an attorney fails to cooperate or participate, the file will be reviewed and may be forwarded to the Austin Bar President for further action.

Who should I call if I have questions?

Marissa Lara-Arebalo at the Austin Bar Association at 512-472-0279, x100.