SLR 21-13.055: REFERRING CASES TO ARBITRATION

(1) Cases which are otherwise subject to arbitration will be referred to arbitration as follows: (a) Within twenty (20) days of the date on which the answer is filed; and, (b) At any time as specifically directed by the Presiding Judge. (2) The Arbitration Clerk will assign arbitrators to cases in a manner to ensure random selection. (3) The parties may stipulate to any arbitrator, including a non-lawyer arbitrator or a lawyer arbitrator who practices outside Benton and Linn counties. Twenty-First Judicial District, Benton County Circuit Court Page 20 of 22 (4) Once a case is referred to arbitration, all motions against the pleadings, all motions for discovery, and all similar pretrial motions not yet resolved will be determined by the arbitrator. The arbitrator’s determination, however, will only apply during the arbitration proceeding. (a) If an appeal is filed, those issues may be raised again in the trial court. (b) If a party feels that the arbitrator’s decision on a pretrial motion will prejudice the parties if an appeal from the arbitrator’s decision is filed, the party may file an appropriate motion with the Presiding Judge of the court.