Rule 702 - Arbitration Panels(a)* Jurisdiction. Each panel shall have jurisdiction over any disagreement concerning the fee paid, charged or claimed for legal services rendered by an attorney licensed to practice in this state, and where the matter has been submitted to the panel by the Idaho State Bar. (1) The panel shall not have jurisdiction over:(A) Disputes over which, in the first instance, a court has jurisdiction to fix the fee;(B) Disputes over matters which, as a matter of law, are beyond the applicable statute of limitations;(C) Disciplinary complaints. *(Section (a) amended 2-13-92 - Effective 7-1-92 and amended 11-15-00 - Effective 12-1-00)
(b)Establishment and Membership of Panels. Where required, each panel shall consist of three (3) members, two (2) of whom shall be members of the Idaho State Bar in good standing, and one (1) of whom shall be an adult Idaho citizen of good moral character and reputation who is not a lawyer. (Section (b) amended 3-1-88)(c)Officers. The Idaho State Bar shall designate one (1) member of the panel as Chairman, who shall preside at the hearing provided in Rule 704.(d)Powers and Duties. Each arbitration panel and each sole arbitrator shall have the following powers and duties:(1) To exercise all powers relating to the conduct of the hearing, including ruling upon the admissibility or exclusion of evidence and procedural questions.(2) To encourage the amicable resolution of fee disputes falling within its jurisdiction.(3) To arbitrate and finally determine fee disputes in the event the parties have not amicably resolved the dispute.(e)Compensation and Expenses. The mediators and members of the arbitration panels shall receive no compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for their travel and other expenses incidental to the performance of their duties under these Rules. *(Section (e) amended 3-17-05 - Effective 7-1-05)
(f)Conflict. It shall be the obligation of any member so designated to serve as arbitrator to disclose to the panel chairman any reasons why he or she cannot ethically or conscientiously serve. In the event that a member declines or is unable to serve, the Idaho State Bar shall appoint another eligible person to the panel.Rule 702 amended 3/15/1991; Section (a) amended 2/13/1992; Effective 7/1/1992; and amended 11/15/2000; Effective 12/1/2000; Section (e) amended 3/17/2005; Effective 7/1/2005.