New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 22 - JUDICIARY
Subtitle A - JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
Chapter I - Standards and Administrative Policies
Subchapter C - Rules Of The Chief Administrator Of The Courts
Part 137 - Fee Dispute Resolution Program
Section 137.2 - General

(a) In the event of a fee dispute between attorney and client, whether or not the attorney already has received some or all of the fee in dispute, the client may seek to resolve the dispute by arbitration under this Part. Arbitration under this Part shall be mandatory for an attorney if requested by a client, and the arbitration award shall be final and binding unless de novo review is sought as provided in section 137.8 of this Part.

(b) The client may consent in advance to submit fee disputes to arbitration under this Part. Such consent shall be stated in a retainer agreement or other writing that specifies that the client has read the official written instructions and procedures for this Part, and that the client agrees to resolve fee disputes under this Part.

(c) The attorney and client may consent in advance to arbitration pursuant to this Part that is final and binding upon the parties and not subject to de novo review. Such consent shall be in writing in a form prescribed by the board of governors.

(d) The attorney and client may consent in advance to submit fee disputes for final and binding arbitration to an arbitral forum other than an arbitral body created by this Part. Such consent shall be in writing in a form prescribed by the board of governors. Arbitration in that arbitral forum shall be governed by the rules and procedures of that forum and shall not be subject to this Part.