Aguilar v. Lerner

Opinion

WERDEGAR, J.

When plaintiff Raul V. Aguilar hired defendant Esther R. Lerner to represent him in a marital dissolution matter, he signed a written retainer agreement that included an agreement to arbitrate any dispute “concerning fees ... or any other claim relating to [plaintiff’s] legal matter which arises out of [plaintiff’s] legal representation.” Such an agreement normally would be enforceable under the California Arbitration Act (CAA). (Code Civ. Proc., § 1280 et seq.) A dispute arose, and plaintiff now contends this arbitration agreement is invalid, specifically as to defendant’s…