(a) A party aggrieved by the arbitration award may commence an action on the merits of the fee dispute in a court of competent jurisdiction within 30 days after the arbitration award has been mailed. If no action is commenced within 30 days of the mailing of the arbitration award, the award shall become final and binding.

(b) Any party who fails to participate in the hearing shall not be entitled to seek de novo review absent good cause for such failure to participate.

(c) Arbitrators shall not be called as witnesses nor shall the arbitration award be admitted in evidence at the trial de novo.