I always recommend that any party involved in a lawsuit have his or her own legal representation. However, if you wish to negotiate directly with the attorney for the other side where you are a party to the action (and have no attorney), you are free to do so under the laws of all states in this country.Since you have an upcoming arbitration, trying to settle the dispute before the proceeding by way of a written agreement signed by all parties is always preferred. in a settlement, a party controls his or her own destiny.