Arbitration Services
Intro
What is Arbitration?
A form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), arbitration is a private, legally binding process where one or more neutral arbitrators resolve a dispute between two or more parties. Arbitration is usually a faster, more cost-effective, and more private process than court proceedings. And, unlike traditional litigation, arbitration generally allows the parties to be involved in selecting their arbitrator.
Why Choose the AAA for Arbitration Services?
Benefits
Expertise: Benefit from a distinguished panel of arbitrators with deep knowledge across diverse industries.
Efficiency: Experience streamlined processes designed to resolve disputes swiftly and effectively.
Neutrality and Impartiality: Trust in the AAA’s unwavering commitment to maintaining neutrality and impartiality, providing a fair process for all parties.
Cost-Effectiveness: Minimize legal fees and overall expenses with our efficient procedures and seasoned arbitrators’ help.
Privacy: Maintain the privacy of arbitration proceedings, with the AAA’s and our arbitrators’ commitment to confidentiality.
Flexibility: Experience flexible arbitration procedures that can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the parties.
Enforceability: Trust that arbitration awards may be confirmed or enforced in a court with the relevant jurisdiction, both in the U.S. and globally.
Administrative Review Council: Keep large, complex cases on track with swift, fair administrative decisions from a dedicated team of senior AAA leaders.
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Choosing the AAA for Arbitration
Our expertise
$29 billion
in B2B claims and counter claims alone in 2025
Over 4,700
experienced arbitrators worldwide
3x Faster
arbitration vs. litigation on average compared to U.S. District Courts
Expertise Across Industries
Industries
Accomplished arbitrators with exceptional subject matter expertise. The AAA offers private arbitration administration services for a wide range of disputes across a variety of industries, including but not limited to:
Commercial Disputes
Business-to-business disputes, contract issues, and partnership dissolutions.
Construction Disputes
Issues arising from construction projects, including contract breaches and project delays.
Consumer Disputes
Disputes between consumers and businesses over contracts for goods or services for personal or household use.
Employment/Workplace Disputes
Issues related to employment or workplace contracts, wrongful termination, and discrimination.
International Disputes
Cross-border disputes involving parties from different countries.
Other Areas
Parties also use AAA arbitration services for cases involving intellectual property disputes and other specialized legal fields.
Our National Roster of Expert Arbitrators
AAA panels
Distinguished Judges
With extensive legal expertise, former federal and state judges bring an added level of impartiality and efficiency to the AAA’s panels. Learn More
Leaders in Legal
Industry Experts
Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: Construction, Technology, Employment, Energy, Healthcare, Intellectual Property, Judicial, Labor, and Large and Complex Cases.
The Typical Lifecycle of an Arbitration Case with the AAA
Timeline
Filing and Initiation
The private arbitration process typically begins when one party submits to the AAA a Demand for Arbitration, a copy of the arbitration provision from the contract between the parties, and the appropriate filing fee. The AAA acknowledges its receipt of the filing to all parties involved and sets a deadline for the respondent to provide an answer if it so chooses. If the parties did not previously agree to arbitrate, or if the AAA or its arbitration rules are not named in the arbitration clause, the case may still proceed before the AAA with the consent of all parties. In such cases, the parties must provide a Submission to Dispute Resolution form and the filing fee to the AAA.
Arbitrator Selection
The next major step involves selecting one or more arbitrators to hear and decide the merits of the dispute. The parties may mutually agree on an arbitrator from the AAA’s panel or otherwise. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, in most cases, following the applicable rules, the AAA provides a list of arbitrators who have relevant expertise, usually in or near the arbitration’s hearing locale. The AAA’s rules outline the arbitrator selection procedures, designed to provide a fair and impartial arbitrator for the case.
Preliminary Hearing
The preliminary hearing is an initial meeting that the arbitrator usually holds with the parties to discuss and establish the framework and schedule for the arbitration proceedings. During this hearing, the arbitrator and the parties may discuss procedural matters, such as the case schedule and hearing dates, the scope of discovery (if any), and any other issues that need to be addressed before the main hearing.
This step is designed to allow the arbitrator to tailor the arbitration proceeding to fit the parties’ dispute, streamline the process where possible, and prepare for the case to proceed efficiently. The preliminary hearing may be conducted in person or via video conference or conference call.
Information Exchange and Preparation
During this phase, parties exchange information relevant to the dispute, including documents, witness lists, and other evidence. This discovery process is more limited and streamlined than traditional court litigation, which helps maintain the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of arbitration.
The arbitrator oversees this exchange with the dual goals of promoting fairness and providing parties with the opportunity to present their cases. This stage is critical for building the foundation of the case to be presented at the arbitration hearing. In certain expedited cases, however, there is no discovery, with the parties only exchanging exhibits they intend to use at the hearing.
Hearing
In the arbitration hearing, all sides present their evidence and arguments before the arbitrator. The hearing process is less formal and more flexible than a court trial. The goal is for each side to present witnesses, cross-examine the other party’s witnesses, and submit evidence.
The arbitrator may ask questions or request additional information during the hearing to clarify the evidence. The hearing, which can vary in length depending on the complexity of the case, is generally conducted in a flexible and efficient manner, usually leading to a quicker resolution than court proceedings.
Post-Hearing Submissions
After the hearing, the arbitrator may ask the parties to submit post-hearing briefs or additional evidence to clarify their positions on certain issues. These submissions are intended to provide the arbitrator with any final arguments or evidence that may assist in making a fair decision. The arbitrator will generally set specific deadlines for these submissions so that the case may progress efficiently toward a resolution.
The Award
Following the hearing and the review of any post-hearing submissions, the arbitrator will issue a final decision, known as an award. The award is binding on the parties, and the prevailing party may ask a court to enter judgment on the award.
The award, which may include the resolution of the dispute, directives for payment, and other remedial actions as deemed appropriate by the arbitrator, is typically issued within a short time frame following the conclusion of the hearing. This timely resolution is a key feature of the arbitration process.
Fee calculator
Estimate of Your Administrative Fees
Expert Resources to Navigate Arbitration
Library
Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures
Construction Industry Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures
Consumer Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures
Employment/Workplace Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures
International Dispute Resolution Procedures
Labor Arbitration Rules
Educational Presentation on ADR
Drafting Dispute Resolution Clauses: A Practical Guide
Self-representation
Are You Self-Represented?
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How do I file an arbitration case with the AAA?
To file a case with the AAA, one party must submit a Demand for Arbitration, a copy of the arbitration provision from the contract between the parties, and the appropriate filing fee. If the parties did not previously agree to arbitrate, they must provide a Submission to Dispute Resolution form in place of the arbitration provision. You can file your case online quickly, easily, and securely using our AAA WebFile® platform.
What happens once a demand for arbitration, or a submission to dispute resolution, is filed with the AAA?
Once all filing requirements have been met, the AAA acknowledges its receipt of the filing to all parties and sets a deadline for the responding party to provide an answer. For cases in the employment and consumer practice areas, the AAA requests the employer or business’s share of the filing fee.
An answer is not required, and all claims are presumed denied if the responding party does not file an answer. Next, the arbitrator(s) are selected. If the parties’ contract does not specify how the arbitrator(s) are to be selected, the selection process is governed by the AAA’s industry-specific arbitration rules. In commercial, construction, employment, or international cases, the arbitrator(s) are generally selected through the rank and strike method. In consumer cases, the AAA usually administratively appoints the arbitrator. The parties are always encouraged to agree on the arbitrator(s) mutually.
Once an arbitrator is appointed to the case, they schedule a preliminary hearing to establish the framework and schedule for the arbitration proceedings. After the preliminary hearing, the parties exchange information, such as documents, witness lists, and other evidence. In arbitration, unlike litigation, the exchange of information is more limited and streamlined. For cases that follow expedited procedures, there is no exchange of information, and the parties only exchange exhibits they intend to use at the hearing.
How much does AAA arbitration cost?
Arbitration is generally a much more cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation. Most cases include administrative fees and arbitrator compensation. Administrative fees vary based on industry rules and fee schedules, and for commercial, construction, and international cases, on the amount of the filed claim. For consumer and employment cases, the AAA fee schedules limit the consumers’ and employees’ cost, with consumers and employees paying a small administrative filing fee at most, or often no fee at all, depending on the applicable arbitration clause. The company pays the remaining administrative fees and all arbitrator compensation in consumer and employment cases.
To calculate your estimated administrative fees, visit our Arbitration Administrative Fee Calculator.
How long does an AAA arbitration case usually take?
An AAA arbitration case is typically resolved much faster than the average time to trial in U.S. District courts. Here's how the data breaks down by practice area from awarded cases closed in 2025:
- In the B2B practice area, the median time to award for large-dollar cases was 18.7 months, compared to around 34 months for the median time to trial in U.S. District Courts.
- In the construction practice area, large-dollar case awards are delivered on average about 1.7x faster than cases reached trial in U.S. District Courts.
- In the employment practice area, the median time to award was 17 months, compared to around 34 months for the median time to trial in U.S. District Courts.
What rules apply to arbitration cases administered by the AAA?
The AAA has developed specialized rules, based on 100 years of experience, for parties to follow during the arbitration process to provide a fair, transparent, and efficient outcome.
Specific rules vary by practice area, so the parties involved should ensure they are informed about the arbitration rules that apply to their case.
Are settlement discussions allowed during AAA arbitration?
Yes, settlement discussions are not only allowed, but also encouraged while an arbitration proceeds. The AAA views settlement as a positive way to resolve disputes, and the parties are free to try to resolve the dispute before the award is issued. Settling can lead to faster resolution for all parties.
The majority of AAA arbitrations settle before an award is issued. For consumer cases closed in 2025, 57% settled. For employment/workplace cases closed in 2025, 77% settled.
Does the AAA provide case management support during arbitration?
Yes, the AAA provides a case administrator to assist the parties and the arbitrator throughout the proceedings. The AAA case manager is a neutral third party and cannot provide the parties with legal advice.
Can AAA arbitration decisions be enforced in court?
Yes, generally, AAA awards and the arbitrator’s decision are final and binding. Under applicable federal and state law, arbitration awards can be enforced in court, with only limited grounds to overturn — vacate — awards.
How are hearings conducted in AAA arbitration?
The preliminary hearing can be conducted in person or via video conference or conference call. During the preliminary hearing, the arbitrator and parties create the case schedule and hearing dates. They will also determine the method for conducting the hearing and, if the hearing is to be in person, where the hearing will take place.
Questions?
Contact us
For general inquiries, send an email to CommercialCases@adr.org.