ADR Pipeline

Discovering, developing, and advancing the next generation of an inclusive Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators is central to the AAA’s mission and crucial to the future of a diverse alternative dispute resolution (ADR) community.

Two significant AAA programs reach up-and-coming diverse professionals and law students. The programs provide training to equip them with the tools to proceed to a career in ADR and the mentorship to encourage and guide them to do so.

The AAA Higginbotham Fellows Program

The AAA created this highly visible, extremely successful one-year program in 2009 to provide training, networking, and mentorship for up-and-coming diverse ADR practitioners, who historically have not been included in meaningful participation in the field. 

  • Since inception, the Program has inducted 169 Fellows.
  • Almost all Fellows who have applied have advanced to AAA Roster appointment, with a majority selected to serve on cases. One was elected to the AAA’s Council. 
  • Fellows represent the United States (25 states, Washington, D.C., and territories Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands) and two foreign countries (Ghana and Kenya). 


Application and More Information
For more information about the 2024 program and to view the application, please click here.

The Diverse Student ADR Summit

Launched in 2019, this program introduces ADR to students. The 1½-day ADR Summit for diverse law students provides an in-depth understanding of what it really takes to become a successful arbitrator and/or mediator. 

Presenters include experienced ADR professionals and litigators from a variety of backgrounds demonstrating a successful career path as an arbitrator or mediator. Attendees learn the importance of focusing on a specific industry, networking, connecting with mentors, gaining relevant experience, and building a good reputation in the field. Applicants come from all over the country and overseas; accepted students are provided with a stipend to cover travel expenses.

See what students are saying: Click here for testimonials from the Diverse Student ADR Summit.

Click here to learn more about the 2023 Diverse Student ADR summit.

Click here to read about the 2022 Diverse Student ADR Summit.