SLR 5-13.121: COMPENSATION OF ARBITRATOR

(1) Effective for cases filed on or after February 1, 2025, the arbitrator's hourly fee is $250. The maximum total arbitration fee is $2000, which shall be divided pro rata among the original parties or in accordance with the order of the arbitrator. (2) Within 14 days of the appointment of the arbitrator, each party must tender to the arbitrator the sum of at least $500 as preliminary payment to be credited against the maximum total arbitration fee, unless a party has secured a fee waiver or deferral, in which case the party must submit a copy of the order waiving or deferring arbitration fees to the arbitrator. (3) The balance of the parties’ maximum total arbitration fee shall be paid upon the earlier of (a) the filing of a motion by any party upon which the arbitrator must rule; or (b) within 30 days of the first scheduled arbitration hearing date. (4) In accordance with UTCR 13.120(1), if, at the conclusion of the case, the arbitrator determines that the case required extraordinary effort and time, the arbitrator may seek the parties’ agreement for a fee in excess of the $2000 maximum fee. If the parties do not agree that additional fees are warranted, the arbitrator may seek an order from the judge assigned to oversee arbitration matters at the court authorizing additional fees. (5) If an arbitration hearing is cancelled fourteen (14) days or more from the arbitration hearing date, the arbitrator is entitled to retain the greater of $250 per party or compensation for the time actually spent by the arbitrator paid at the rate of $250 per hour. Any arbitrator fee deposit in excess of these amounts must be refunded to the parties in accordance with UTCR 13.120(2). If the hearing is cancelled fewer than fourteen (14) days prior to the arbitration hearing date, the arbitrator is entitled to retain the greater of $500 per party or compensation for the time actually spent by the arbitrator paid at the rate of $250 per hour. (6) In accordance with UTCR 13.120(4), the arbitrator may preclude a party from participating in the arbitration proceeding after the transfer unless the party pays the required arbitrator fee or the party obtains a waiver or deferral of the fee from the court and provides a copy of the waiver or deferral to the arbitrator, prior to the arbitration. Page 32 of 37