All Civil Arbitration processes described on this website are mandatory and must be followed in conjunction with all other applicable authorities, including Local Court Rules, State Rules, and relevant provisions of the RCWs. To ensure efficient and accurate communication, parties/attorneys/staff are strongly encouraged to review the Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court Local Court Rules and established procedures prior to contacting the Court with questions or inquiries. Familiarity with these rules supports timely responses. 
ARBITRATOR PANEL & QUALIFICATIONS

Benton & Franklin Counties Approved Arbitrators:


The above list shows the names of arbitrators available to hear cases. The application of an individual arbitrator is available, for public inspection, in Court Administration upon written request.  
COMPENSATION OF ARBITRATOR

  1. Arbitrators shall be compensated in the same amount and manner as judges pro tempore of the superior court; provided, however, that said compensation shall not exceed $1,000.00 for any case unless approved by the arbitration presiding judge.
  2. Compensation: Compensation may be requested for hearing time and reasonable preparation time. Arbitrators may be reimbursed a sum not to exceed $25.00 for costs incurred.
  3. Form: When the award is filed, the arbitrator shall submit to Court Administration a request for payment on a form prescribed by the Court. Request for compensation must be received by Court Administration no later than thirty (30) days from the date of filing the arbitration award. 


Submit the required compensation form to:  Executive Assistant 

Request for Increase of Fees by Arbitrator: Arbitrators are to submit all requests for an increase in fees by motion. The motion shall be submitted to Court Administration (paper form, with copy, and proposed order). Court Administration will deliver the motion to the arbitration presiding judge. Once the arbitration presiding judge decides on the order, Court Administration will process the order (for billing purposes) and send copies of the order to the parties. Requests for an increase in fees will not be accepted at ex-parte.

Current Arbitrator Compensation Rate: The current Arbitrator compensation rate is $139.78 per hour, not to exceed the $1,000.00 cap.

SERVE AS AN ARBITRATOR (BENTON & FRANKLIN COUNTIES)

ARBITRATOR ELIGIBITY:

RCW 7.060.040 (2)(a) A person may not serve as an arbitrator unless the person has completed a minimum of three credits of Washington state bar association approved continuing legal education credits on the professional and ethical consideration for serving as an arbitrator. A person serving as an arbitrator must file a declaration or affidavit stating or certifying to the appointing court that the person is in compliance with this section.
(b) The superior court judge or judges in any county may choose to waive the requirements of this subsection (2) for arbitrators who have acted as an arbitrator five or more times previously.

In order to continue to serve as an arbitrator, you must certify that you either are presently eligible, or that you are requesting waiver of the continuing education requirement.  In order to do so, you must complete and sign the Benton Franklin Counties Superior Court Arbitrator Attestation of Eligibility to Serve as an Arbitrator Under RCW 7.06.040 form.  

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

  • A person desiring to serve as an arbitrator shall complete an application, oath of arbitrator, and attestation as prescribed by Court Administration. The oath of office on the form prescribed by the Court must be completed and signed by the arbitration presiding judicial officer prior to an applicant being placed on the panel. 
  • Carefully read eligibility requirements before applying. 

[Updated September 1, 2026]