Bailey and Williams v. G. David Westfall

An arbitration panel determined the amount G. David Westfall, an attorney, was entitled to receive under a written partnership agreement from his former law firm, Bailey and Williams, when he withdrew as a partner in the firm. Westfall sued to set aside the arbiters award. The trial court summarily vacated the arbitration award, ordered a jury trial de novo on the very same issues decided by the arbiters, and rendered judgment that Westfall recover an amount in excess of the arbitration award plus attorney fees. Bailey and Williams appeals. We hold that the trial court erred in vacating the arbitration award, and reverse and render.