Lawyer-to-Lawyer Dispute Resolution Program offers no-cost, confidential way for lawyers to solve disputes

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 to provide an efficient, no-cost, voluntary mechanism for resolving economic and professional disputes among lawyers. 

This program, created by Supreme Court Rule 5.10, offers lawyers involved in a dispute a mediation-like process for the private and voluntary resolution of the dispute. If the matter cannot be resolved in mediation, the program will also offer binding arbitration, the initiation of which is strictly on a voluntary basis. 

Disputes come in many forms, including law firm break ups, disputes between departing lawyers, office-sharing disputes, and fee disputes between co-counsel. If you find yourself in one of these situations and wish to utilize the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Dispute Resolution Program, you may start the process by filing a Notice of Dispute and Request for Facilitation form with the program administrator at The Missouri Bar.  

Pursuant to the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Dispute Resolution Program Guidelines, the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Dispute Resolution Committee oversees the activities and proceedings of the program. The committee is appointed by The Missouri Bar Board of Governors.