Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services of Seattle, Inc. v. Yates, Wood & MacDonald, Inc.

¶1 Forty-six years ago, this court set forth the principle that voluntary membership in a professional organization gives rise to a corresponding obligation to comply with that organization’s bylaws. Where those bylaws contain an agreement to arbitrate, this principle applies with equal force. Under such circumstances, a binding agreement to arbitrate is adequately evidenced by proof of membership in the organization; a signed agreement is not required. Notwithstanding the subsequent enactment of the uniform arbitration act (UAA), the rule enunciated by this court retains its viability. Thus,…