Rule 13.055 - ARBITRATORS(1) To qualify as an arbitrator, a person must sign and file an application to be placed on the list of arbitrators, and, if not a retired or senior judge or stipulated non-lawyer arbitrator, be an active member of the Oregon State Bar at the time of each appointment. The Presiding Judge may remove a person as an arbitrator if such person fails or refuses to comply with the rules governing the performance of arbitrators, as required by the Oregon Revised Statutes, UTCR or these rules. The Arbitration Commission may adopt additional requirements for inclusion or retention on the list of arbitrators, including experience, training and continuing education.(2) There shall be a panel of arbitrators in such number as the Arbitration Commission may determine. Persons desiring to serve as an arbitrator shall submit in writing their desire to be placed on the arbitration panel, with the date they were admitted to the Bar, their name, street address, email address, fax, and phone numbers, and if they have any preference against certain types of cases (e.g., no family law). A list showing the names of arbitrators available to hear cases will be available for inspection in the Civil Department of the Multnomah County Central Courthouse. An arbitrator who is no longer willing or able to serve as an arbitrator shall immediately notify the arbitration clerk.(3) The appointment of an arbitrator is subject to the right of that person to refuse to serve on an individual case. An arbitrator must notify the clerk immediately if refusing to serve, or if any cause exists for the arbitrator's disqualification from the case upon any of the grounds of interest, relationship, bias, or prejudice governing the disqualification of judges.(4) If such disqualification or refusal occurs, the arbitrator must notify all parties and immediately return all appointment materials in the case to the clerk.(5) The parties shall confer, pursuant to UTCR 5.010, to select an arbitrator. The plaintiff or petitioner shall initiate communications for such selection. However, if the plaintiff or petitioner is appearing pro se, an attorney for the defendant(s) shall initiate such communications. If all parties are appearing pro se, or if good faith conference is unsuccessful, each party shall strike 2 names from the list of arbitrators, and return such list to the Presiding Judge, with a copy to and proof of service on the other party or parties. The Presiding Judge shall then select the arbitrator from the remaining names. In the event no names remain, the Presiding Judge may approve the issuance of a second list.Multnomah Supp. L. R. 13.055
Amended effective 2/1/2024.