Submission of any claim or controversy to arbitration pursuant to such agreement shall be a condition precedent to institution of suit or action thereon. Under Virginia law, parties to a dispute may agree to submit their differences to arbitration.For more information about arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, please contact John at (434) 817-3100. If you want to arbitrate your fee dispute, you must sign an Agreement To Arbitrate. All volunteers have participated in a training program focused on resolving fee disputes. How do I start the arbitration process? Arbitration in the Absence of a Party or Representative. 281 S.E.2d 807, 809 (Va. A lawyer in the area could help a company pursue claims through the arbitration process. A plaintiff could attempt to file suit in Virginia state court, record a lis pendens, and then request a stay of the case pending arbitration.