Fee Arbitration Program Administrator

Position Overview

The Fee Arbitration Program Administrator reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Mandatory Fee Arbitration (MFA) Program. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the program operates in a neutral, efficient, and procedurally compliant manner, supporting both the legal community and the public.

The role is administrative and coordination-focused in nature. Legal judgment and substantive determinations are exercised by arbitrators and the MFA Committee, not by staff.

Key Responsibilities

I. Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program Administration (Approximately 95%)

1. Intake and Eligibility Administration

• Respond to inquiries from the public and SCBA members regarding the Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program and procedural alternatives.
• Provide procedural information regarding application requirements and completeness, without offering legal advice.
• Confirm eligibility and jurisdiction based on established program criteria and rules.
• Ensure filing fees and required documentation are received prior to initiating cases.

2. Case Management and Coordination

• Coordinate receipt of responses from respondent attorneys.
• Assign arbitrators (single arbitrator or panel) in accordance with established procedures.
• Track cases from intake through final disposition, ensuring deadlines and required milestones are met.
• Maintain regular, professional correspondence with all participants.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case management and status records.

3. Program Compliance and Quality Control

• Administer the program in accordance with applicable State Bar requirements, SCBA Mandatory Fee Arbitration Rules, and established procedures.
• Utilize standardized templates, checklists, and workflows to ensure consistency and procedural compliance.
• Conduct administrative review of arbitration awards for completeness, formatting, and internal consistency.
• Coordinate with MFA Committee members or arbitrators when substantive or legal interpretation is required.
• Prepare and transmit required reports or information to the State Bar or other oversight bodies.

4. Arbitrator Coordination and Support

• Support recruitment and onboarding of arbitrators in coordination with the MFA Committee.
• Assist with logistical coordination for arbitrator training or MCLE programs, as needed.

II. Miscellaneous Duties (Approximately 5%)

• Perform other related administrative duties as assigned in support of the MFA Program and SCBA operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education and Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in paralegal studies, legal administration, dispute resolution support, or program coordination.
• Experience working in a legal, regulatory, or professional services environment is preferred.

Procedural and Program Knowledge

• Familiarity with procedural rules governing arbitration or similar dispute resolution programs.
• Ability to follow established policies, procedures, and checklists, and to escalate substantive questions to appropriate committee members or counsel.

Program Administration Skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage case-based workflows involving intake, documentation, deadlines, and record-keeping.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in compliance-related and administrative activities.

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with attorneys, arbitrators, committee members, and members of the public.

Organizational and Interpersonal Skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Technology Proficiency

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new software tools related to case management, membership, and administrative functions.

Additional Information

This position does not provide legal advice and does not require a law degree. All legal determinations and arbitration decisions are made by appointed arbitrators and the MFA Committee.