In Re Application of LiVolsi

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

WILENTZ, C. J.

This case involves challenges to the constitutionality and desirability of the Fee Arbitration Committees (Committees) established by this Court in E.1:20A pursuant to our constitutional authority to regulate the practice of law. The Rule’s purpose was to provide a satisfactory mechanism for the resolution of fee disputes between attorneys and their clients. As presently constituted, a Committee must arbitrate fee disputes upon a client’s request (whether the lawyer consents or not), or ■ upon a lawyer’s request if the client consents.…