If the arbitration is non-binding, and one of the parties timely requests a trial after the arbitration, that party can file a civil suit for damages regardless of who prevailed at the arbitration. If the arbitration is binding and the client wins, the client may request State Bar assistance collecting the award. If the arbitration is binding and an attorney is ordered to pay a refund of fees or costs and has not complied with that award, the State Bar shall enforce it by placing the attorney on involuntary inactive status until the refund has been paid and can also assess monetary penalties. If the arbitration is binding and the attorney is awarded fees and/or costs against the client, he or she can enforce the award against the client using Superior Court procedures.
