About Our Panels

The AAA selects arbitrators for its roster based on their professional experience, subject-matter expertise, dispute resolution background, and the needs of the parties and the AAA's caseload. Candidates generally need 10–15 years of relevant experience in legal practice or their respective industry, or at least 10 years of experience as a state or federal court judge. Attorneys seeking admission to certain specialty panels must typically have devoted 30–50% of their practice to the relevant field over the past 10 years. Industry professionals generally must have at least seven years of senior-level experience. Arbitrator candidates must have appropriate education and professional credentials, training or experience in dispute resolution, and relevant professional affiliations or accomplishments.

AAA mediators must have at least 10 years of senior-level experience in business, industry, or a profession, appropriate education and professional credentials, and significant training in mediation process skills. Candidates must also demonstrate a proven track record of being retained by parties to mediate disputes, professional recognition in their field, and active membership in at least one relevant professional association.

Admission to the AAA's arbitrator and mediator panels is selective and based on qualifications, caseload demands, and user preferences. The AAA retains discretion over roster composition and may waive certain qualification requirements to meet caseload needs.

The AAA requires all arbitrators and mediators on our roster to adhere to strict ethical principles to deliver a fair and impartial process for all parties. Our arbitrators are bound by the AAA-ABA Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes or the AAA Code of Professional Responsibility for Arbitrators of Labor-Management Disputes. Our mediators adhere to the Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators. Visit our Panel Ethics and Guidelines page for more information. 

AAA arbitrators must disclose any known direct or indirect financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration, as well as any known current or past financial, business, professional, or personal relationships that might reasonably raise questions about their impartiality or independence among any of the parties. If an arbitrator becomes aware of any such information after accepting their appointment, they must disclose the new information as soon as possible.

AAA mediators must disclose all actual and potential conflicts of interest they are aware of that could reasonably raise questions about their impartiality. If a mediator becomes aware of any information after accepting a mediation that raises questions about their ability to serve due to a potential or actual conflict of interest, the mediator must disclose it as quickly as possible.

The AAA monitors and evaluates arbitrator and mediator performance through feedback from parties, their representatives, and AAA staff. This can include post-case surveys, as well as feedback received throughout the case administration process.

When concerns arise regarding a panelist's professionalism, responsiveness, ethical conduct, or performance, the AAA reviews the circumstances and determines whether follow-up or other action is appropriate. Concerns involving an arbitrator's impartiality or independence in a pending case are addressed in accordance with the applicable arbitration rules and procedures.

Parties, their representatives, and neutrals may also contact the AAA to share feedback or raise concerns about a panelist.

AAA panelists continually update their skills through continuing education and training, staying at the forefront of dispute resolution practices. AAA arbitrators must complete annual continuing education requirements, while mediators are encouraged to participate in ongoing training. Panelists also have access to exclusive training programs focused on managing disputes fairly and efficiently. To meet the evolving needs of ADR, the AAA frequently updates its training programs and dispute resolution resources.

During the neutral selection or appointment process, parties receive information about the rates established by the arbitrators or mediators under consideration. These rates are generally set by the neutrals themselves and are included in their AAA resumes, along with information about their professional experience and qualifications. In certain cases, arbitrator compensation may instead be set at a fixed rate under the applicable AAA rules. The AAA maintains financial transparency and ethical management of all cases.

Yes, the AAA offers specialized panels across a range of industries and practice areas, including commercial, consumer, employment, labor, construction, technology, healthcare, and energy. These panels feature experienced neutrals with the industry-specific knowledge needed to resolve complex disputes.

Many of our top arbitrators are former judges. Our Judicial Panel features more than 340 former federal and state judges from across the country who bring deep legal insight and decisive leadership to complex disputes. Other AAA panelists bring extensive industry and technical expertise to dispute resolution, typically with at least 10–15 years of experience in their fields. Many have held senior leadership positions or earned distinguished professional accomplishments.

AAA panelists are also regularly recognized by leading industry organizations, including through rankings in the 2026 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guide and selection to the 2026 Silicon Valley Arbitration & Mediation Center (SVAMC) Tech List®.

Yes, AAA arbitrators may accept arbitration matters not administered by the AAA while on the AAA’s roster, provided they comply with applicable AAA policies and ethical standards. When serving on a non-AAA case, arbitrators must make clear that the AAA is not responsible for the proceeding. Additional restrictions apply to panelists affiliated with other dispute resolution providers.