Apply to serve as an arbitrator:
- 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.
- See below for application to become an Arbitrator. (Read eligibility requirements below)
Arbitrator Eligibility:
- RCW 7.06.040 was amended changing eligibility requirements for arbitrators under the mandatory arbitration process. In pertinent part, it states:
- "(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. You can find it below. The amendment to RCW 7.06.040 becomes effective on September 1, 2018. You will not be allowed to serve as an arbitrator after that date until your eligibility has been established.
[Updated September 1, 2024]