Communications Between Parties And Arbitrators

As amended through August1, 2022

A. Ex parte communication between counsel for any party and any of the arbitrators shall be limited to disclosure of the following:

1. Whether the nature of proceedings is an uninsured motorist claim or underinsured motorist claim;

2. The names of parties involved;

3. The names of opposing counsel and the arbitrator chosen by opposing counsel (if known);

4. The names of proposed neutral arbitrators;

5. The arbitrator's fee; and

6. The scheduling of the arbitration hearing.

B. There shall be no communication with any arbitrator outside of the arbitration hearing of matters which might tend to influence the ultimate decision of the arbitrators, including, but not limited to, the nature and the merits of the claim, the amount(s) paid on behalf of the third party tortfeasor(s), the monetary limits of insurance policies (whether UM or UIM), any legal issues and settlement discussions.

C. Communication between neutral arbitrators and any party and their counsel shall be limited to only those matters necessary to permit the neutral arbitrator to perform his or her administrative duties and duties as chairperson of the arbitration panel. Whenever possible, communication shall not be ex parte and, in the event of an unavoidable ex parte communication, disclosure of it shall be made as soon as practicable to all other interested parties and counsel.

Amended effective 7/1/2020; amended effective 8/1/2022.