Commercial Dispute Resolution

The AAA provides commercial arbitration and mediation services through a dedicated case administrator to support the parties and the panelist throughout the proceedings. 

Arbitration and mediation are methods of resolving legal disputes outside of the courtroom. Arbitration is a private, legally binding process where one or more neutral arbitrators decide a dispute between two or more parties. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third party — the mediator — helps disputing parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Arbitration and mediation are useful options to potentially avoid the often more costly and time-consuming route of court litigation.  

Commercial arbitration cases with the AAA include administrative fees and arbitrator compensation. The AAA’s administrative fees are based on the amount of any filed claim or counterclaim and are to be paid by the party bringing the claim or counterclaim at the time the demand or claim is filed. For a detailed breakdown of administrative fees, consult the Commercial Arbitration Fee Schedule. To calculate your estimated administrative fees, visit our Arbitration Administrative Fee Calculator. The arbitrator’s compensation generally is listed on the arbitrator’s AAA resume but, for smaller dollar-value claims, may be a fixed rate set by the AAA.

Commercial mediation cases with the AAA require a $250 non-refundable deposit, applied toward the administrative fee, to begin the AAA’s administration of the mediation and appointment of the mediator. The mediator’s compensation rate is listed on the resume included in the mediator’s AAA profile. The AAA administrative fee, split by the parties, is $75 per hour billed by the mediator, with a minimum four-hour charge for any mediation.

To initiate a commercial arbitration case with the AAA, one party must submit a Demand for Arbitration, a copy of the arbitration provision naming the AAA or the AAA’s rules from the parties’ contract, 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.

To initiate a commercial mediation case with the AAA, one party must submit a Request for Mediation form, a copy of the mediation provision from the parties’ contract calling for AAA-administered mediation, and the appropriate filing fee. The party initiating the mediation must simultaneously notify the other party or parties of the mediation request. If there is no contract clause providing for mediation with the AAA, the parties must provide a Submission to Mediation form instead.

You can file your arbitration or mediation case online quickly, easily, and securely using our AAA WebFile® platform.

In arbitration cases, 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 file an answer. 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. For commercial cases, if the parties’ contract does not specify how the arbitrator(s) are to be chosen, the arbitrator(s) are generally selected through the rank and strike method from a list the AAA provides. The AAA encourages the parties to agree on the arbitrator(s) if possible.  

Once the AAA appoints one or more arbitrators to the case, the arbitrator will schedule a preliminary hearing to discuss the dispute and establish the 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. In expedited cases (no more than $100,000 in issue) the parties exchange only the exhibits they intend to use at the hearing. 

For mediation cases, once all filing requirements have been met, the AAA acknowledges its receipt of the filing and confirms that there is party agreement to mediate. The parties will be directed to the AAAi Mediator Search Tool to try to agree on a mediator. If the parties are unable to agree, the AAA can provide the parties with a list of potential mediators to select from. The AAA may ask the parties to strike and rank the mediator list, and the AAA will appoint a mediator based on the parties’ strikes and rankings. Once a mediator is selected, the AAA coordinates with the parties and the mediator to schedule the next steps, including an in-person or virtual mediation session.