Providing training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to promising diverse ADR professionals

The American Arbitration Association^® (AAA^® ) created the AAA A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Fellows Program in 2009 to provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to up-and-coming alternative dispute resolution professionals who historically have been excluded from meaningful participation in the field.

Judge Aloysius Leon Higginbotham Jr. was an African American civil rights advocate, presidential adviser, educator, humanitarian, and jurist dedicated to supporting diverse talent in the legal profession. The AAA Higginbotham Program offers the full breadth of AAA resources to participants who have successfully demonstrated their commitment to ADR.

The Fellowship
The fellowship is a one-year program that allows participants to immerse themselves in all aspects of ADR. The program begins with an intensive week of training, seminars, and participation in mock arbitrations and mediations facilitated by leading advocates and panelists. Fellows are provided with serious mentorship opportunities specific to their areas of interest. 

After the week concludes, the AAA provides Fellows with opportunities to participate in training and networking events throughout the year.

The 2024 Program
The 2024 program will be hosted at the AAA Headquarters in New York City during the week of May 6, 2024. This year’s Fellowship program coincides with the AAA’s Annual Board Meeting, so in addition to the activities noted in the previous section, Fellows will interact with the AAA Board of Directors and Council events at special related events. 

Important Dates
Applications are due by Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Final decisions will be announced at the end of February 2024.


Application and More Information
For more information about the program and to view the application, please click here.

Questions? Please contact AAAHigginbothamFellows@adr.org.