Small Business & Entrepreneurs
AAA Small Business Contract Clauses
ADR clauses
Including clear and enforceable arbitration clauses in your accounting contracts is key to resolving disputes efficiently. The AAA provides tools such as ClauseBuilder® AI (Beta) to help you draft effective clauses using AI technology. You can also use our ClauseBuilder online tool for more traditional drafting.
Commercial (U.S. domestic): Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration administered by the AAA in accordance with its Commercial [or other] Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
Intro
What is ADR?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to methods of resolving disputes outside the courtroom—most often through arbitration or mediation.
Arbitration: A neutral third party (arbitrator) hears the issues and makes a binding decision. It’s efficient, private, and less rigid than court.
Mediation: A neutral third party (mediator) facilitates communication between the parties to reach a voluntary agreement. The process is collaborative, not confrontational.
Why Choose the AAA?
Our role
Proven Expertise: Backed by decades of experience and a commitment to neutrality.
Administrative Ease: We handle logistics so you can stay focused on what matters—your business.
Top-Tier Neutrals: Gain access to our roster of highly qualified mediators and arbitrators.
Helpful Tools & Resources: We’ve got you covered, from the AAA’s ClauseBuilder® AI (Beta) tool, which simplifies clause drafting for your contracts, to AI-powered, step-by-step guides to our rules, the process, and more.
Resolve Disputes Without Disrupting Your Business
Small business benefits
Cost Effective
Avoid high legal fees and court costs with the AAA’s streamlined approach.
Time Saving
Disputes are often resolved faster than in court.
Private
The AAA will keep your sensitive business matters private.
Flexible
Choose your process, neutral, and more.
Relationship Friendly
Preserve important relationships with less adversarial solutions.
Industry-Leading Expertise
Data
6,822 case filings
for small businesses in 2024
5.1 months
median time to award for cases with claims up to $100,000 vs. 31.6 months in U.S. District Court in 2024
52% of cases
settled before incurring arbitrator compensation in 2024
Clauses
Ready to Make ADR Part of Your Business Toolkit?
Create custom arbitration clauses with the AAA in minutes using our ClauseBuilder AI (Beta) tool. It’s fast, easy, and tailored to your business.
Practical Tools and Guides
Helpful resources
AAA Expedited/Fast Track Roadmap
Fixed-Rate Mediation Program for Claims $100,000 and Under
Fixed-Rate Mediation Program Q&A
A Guide to Commercial Dispute Resolution for Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Drafting Dispute Resolution Clauses: A Practical Guide
Need Help or Have Questions?
Contact us
We’re here to help you navigate your options.
Contact us at 305-358-7777 or SBE@adr.org.