Fee Dispute Resolution

Part 137 Mandatory Fee Dispute Resolution Program

Attorney Client Fee Dispute Resolution Program

The Administrative Board of the Courts issued an order establishing a  Mandatory Fee Dispute Resolution Program pursuant to Part 137 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator, Title 22 of the Official Compilations of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York, that requires that all attorneys representing clients in civil matters submit fee disputes to arbitration.  With some exceptions, the rules apply to disputed amounts between $1,000.00 to $50,000.00.

Arbitration is mandatory whenever an attorney and their client cannot agree on the fee, or whenever the client requests arbitration. The arbitration award is final and binding unless de novo review is sought under the rule.

All information relating to the program is made available by the New York State Unified Court System at the Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Resolution Program page.

Bronx Program.  For the Bronx, the New York County Lawyers' Association (NYCLA) in partnership with the Bronx County Bar Association and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York runs the Joint Fee Dispute Program. 

The Bronx Packet for fee disputes is available here.  For an overview of the NYCLA's Part 137 program visit NYCLA's faq page. 

Local Programs.  Please see the Local Programs Page and click on the judicial district for the county in which the majority of the legal services in your case were performed. there you can download the complete packet of forms that concerns your case. 

Other Forms.  Other related forms, including form 137-4a Client Request for Fee Arbitration, and form 137-1/2 Notice of Client's Right to Arbitrate are available at the Other Related Form Page. 

Volunteering.  Both  non-lawyer members of the public and lawyers may apply to volunteer as arbitrators for the Part 137 Program after completing a fee dispute arbitration training approved by the Board of Governors.  The ADR Office sponsors remote trainings generally once per year.  If a training is scheduled, information will be posted on the ADR Office's Find a Training Page.  If you miss the live training, email: feedispute@nycourts.gov  for more information.  

Rules.  Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Resolution Program Rules are available at the link below.  

Rules of the Chief Administrative Judge

Standards and Guidelines