Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

If you can't afford an attorney, you can hire one of the professional paralegal services to assist you, if that is financially viable. You can also contact Legal Aid for assisstance.

I'm surprised at Mr. Boyd's answer. Paralegals are not authorized to give legal advice, and by state law, are required to be supervised by a licensed attorney.

You should at least seek out a consultation, or an attorney who can assist you from time to time, perhaps for a nominal fee as a legal coach. Your post already contains some confusing information, as binding arbitration and litigation in the courts are two separate systems. Normally, engaging in discovery waives a right to compel binding arbitration.