Rule 1302.List of Arbitrators. Appointment to Board. Oath.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule governs the arbitration panel — a board of three members of the bar drawn from a locally maintained list, chaired by a lawyer admitted at least three years, screened for conflicts, and sworn to office.
(a)A list of available arbitrators shall be prepared in the manner prescribed by local rule. The list shall consist of a sufficient number of members of the bar actively engaged in the practice of law primarily in the judicial district in which the court is situated so as to be fairly representative thereof.
(b)The board of arbitrators shall consist of three members of the bar appointed from the list of available arbitrators as prescribed by local rule.
(c)The board shall be chaired by a member of the bar admitted to the practice of law for at least three years.
(d)Not more than one member or associate of a firm or association of attorneys shall be appointed to the same board.
(e)A member of a board who would be disqualified for any reason that would disqualify a judge under the Code of Judicial Conduct shall immediately withdraw as an arbitrator.
(f)Each arbitrator shall take an oath of office in conformity with Section 3151 of the Judicial Code.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule staffs the compulsory-arbitration board. Each county keeps a list of available arbitrators — active members of the bar — prepared by local rule, and three of them are appointed to hear a given case. The chair must have practiced for at least three years, and no more than one lawyer from the same firm may sit on a board.
An arbitrator who would be disqualified for any reason that would disqualify a judge must step aside, and each takes an oath of office. The requirements give the parties a neutral, competent panel that mirrors the impartiality expected of a judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who serves as an arbitrator?
Members of the bar actively engaged in practice in the judicial district, drawn from a list prepared by local rule.
How many arbitrators hear a case?
A board, appointed to each case under the rule and local practice.
Official Note
Official Note: Arbitrators shall be compensated pursuant to Section 3544(a)(1) of the Judicial Code.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:board of arbitratorslist of arbitratorsarbitrator oath