Calif. Judge Refuses To Appoint Umpire, Citing Lack of Jurisdiction

SAN FRANCISCO - A California federal judge on March 10 dismissed a cedent's petition to appoint a neutral arbitrator in its dispute with Insurance Company of the West over reinsurance proceeds. Northern California Relief, et al. v. Insurance Company of the West, No. C 08-00942 (N.D. Calif.).

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White ruled that the petitioners, Northern California Relief, Southern California Relief and Statewide Association of Community Colleges, failed to present a basis for the court's jurisdiction.

The reinsurance certificate at issue included an arbitration clause providing that if the two party-appointed arbitrators are unable to agree on …