Fee dispute information


The ACBA has established a procedure for resolution of fee disputes by binding arbitration. A committee of over 100 specially selected attorneys is available to arbitrate fee disputes between clients and attorneys.

To qualify for arbitration through the Special Fee Determination Committee, the following standards must be met:

  • The amount in dispute must be $500 or greater.
  • The dispute must take place in Allegheny County or the attorney must practice in Allegheny County.
  • The dispute must not involve Social Security in any manner.
  • Both parties must agree, in writing, to binding arbitration. Neither party can be forced to do so.
  • All information submitted must be complete and in the format provided by the Procedures and Rules of Arbitration.

The fee dispute process from the initiation of the complaint through arbitration can last two to four months.

Please download each of the three documents below prior to filing any type of dispute.

Data Sheet pdf

Procedures pdf

Rules pdf

For additional information on this service, please call Pam DeCecco at 412-402-6613.