California Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument on 30-Day Arbitration Fee Rule: Key Takeaways from Hohenshelt

In our previous article, “Pay Up or Lawsuit Up: The 30-Day Countdown That’s Fueling Arbitration Disputes,” we explored the legal and practical challenges posed by California’s 30-day arbitration fee payment rule, codified in SB 707. That piece detailed how the rule has become a flashpoint in mass arbitration and privacy claims, with businesses facing the risk of losing their right to arbitrate—and incurring significant sanctions—if they fail to pay arbitration fees within a tight, rigid deadline.

The California Supreme Court’s recent oral argument in Hohenshelt v. Superior Court now brings these issues to the forefront, with the potential to reshape the arbitration landscape in California.

Arguments and Issues at Stake

At oral argument, the employer and business community, supported by