<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>In a recent arbitration hearing, my client/homeowner asked for attorney fees if successful and the HOA also requested attorney fees if they were successful in arbitration. The parties had agreed to an informal private arbitration process that did not address attorney fees. The CC&Rs state, in part, “In any other proceeding arising out an alleged default by a Lot Owner, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover costs of the proceeding, and such reasonable attorney’s fees as may be determined by the court.” Later, the CC&Rs say “in addition to the rights, remedies and procedures described above, the [HOA] may, with the consent of the affected Lot Owner… agree to resolve any dispute through mediation, binding or non-binding arbitration….”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mediation was unsuccessful so each party made a presentation to the mediator/arbitrator for the purposes of the binding arbitration, with both parties requesting attorney fees. The Arbitrator found for the homeowner BUT denied the request for attorney fees saying the earlier CC&Rs reference to “in other proceeding” must be “determined by the court” (with the implication that he is not a court) and the alternative resolution provision of the CC&Rs didn’t reference attorney fees so he denied attorney fees. I find it hard to believe that the parties inadvertently waived their right to attorney fees when they agreed to private arbitration. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I could ask the arbitrator to reconsider the arbitrator’s decision by citing a mistake in law if I can show that a prevailing party attorney’s fee provision “determined by the court” is still effective in an arbitration proceeding. I have spent some time (hours) on Caselaw and not really finding any support (maybe it doesn’t exist). Any thoughts or cases out there? <o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>