[greglepore]

No Cali specific knowledge but did a bunch in Pa. Done by agreement (or previous contract) and the agreement/contract sets the terms-ie is there depostition/discovery or not. Usually you are entitled to representation by an attorney. More standard practice for us was 3 arbitrators, each side picking theirs and the two appointed arbs then selecting a neutral arbitrator. Arbitrators were local attorneys. Each party pays their own and split the neutral.
Subsequent legal review is almost always limited to errors of law, and even then it usually requires a provision in the agreement allowing for same.
There is a Uniform Arbitration Act that most states have adopted that sets for the legal authority for arbitration and the ground rules.

Other than scheduling convenience and less random assignment of a judge, not a lot of difference from "real " court. Most rules of evidence apply. One big difference is that often where expert testimony is required (ie medical issues or technical stuff) it is allowable by written report rather than actual testimony, although the parties often prefer actual testimony by live or video.

If you have specific questions, feel free to pm.