Lawyer-to-Lawyer Dispute Resolution Program FAQs

Disputes among lawyers can make it difficult for them to serve their clients and communities, harming both the professionals involved and the clients they serve. The Missouri Bar established the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Dispute Resolution Program in 2008 to provide an efficient, no-cost, confidential, and voluntary mechanism for resolving economic and professional disputes among lawyers.  

Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about the program. 

How do I start the process? 

To start the process, you may file a Notice of Dispute and Request for Facilitation form with the program administrator at The Missouri Bar.  

Under certain circumstances, a dispute may be referred to the program by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Council.   

How long does the process take? 

The length of the process depends on the response rate of the parties. On average, it takes between three to five months from beginning to end. 

Read this article to learn more about the process. 

What types of disputes does the program receive? 

The program receives a variety of disputes including: 

• Law firm departures
• Law firm breakups
• Fee-sharing disputes 

What happens if the parties can’t agree? 

The program is voluntary for all parties. If they can’t agree or they decline to participate in facilitation or binding arbitration, the matter is closed as the program has no other options.