Perkins Coie v. Williams

May a party who arbitrates claims under the Superior Court Mandatory Arbitration Rules request a trial de novo of less than all the issues of fact and law that were arbitrated? We hold that a party may not so limit a request for a trial de novo. Accordingly, we reverse the trial court’s orders and remand this case for further proceedings.

The Perkins Coie (Perkins) law firm brought this action against Richard and Chris Williams and their daughter, Stephanie Williams. The firm sought to recover payment for legal services incurred during its representation of Stephanie in a personal injury…