Representation by Counsel

Parties need not be represented by an attorney in arbitration. They may choose to appear pro se (on their own) or be represented by a person who is not an attorney, such as a business associate, friend, or relative. The attorney-client privilege does not attach to communications between a party and a non-attorney representative. The Uniform Code grants parties the absolute right to representation by counsel at any stage of the proceeding. If a party decides during the course of a hearing that he or she wants to obtain legal representation, an adjournment should be granted to permit counsel to appear. Parties sometimes decide to change counsel during the course of a proceeding. Generally, the arbitrators should permit such changes.