Mediation Services
Why Choose AAA Mediation Services?
Benefits
Expertise: With a long-standing reputation for excellence in dispute resolution, the AAA provides access to highly experienced mediators who are experts in their respective fields. Our mediators are trained to guide parties toward successful resolutions, providing a high level of professionalism and competence.
Efficiency: Our mediations can be scheduled quickly, with resolutions often reached in days or weeks rather than months or years. This prompt resolution helps parties progress without the delays common in other dispute resolution processes.
Cost-Effectiveness: Mediation services through the AAA are generally more affordable than litigation or arbitration, requiring less time and fewer resources. This cost-efficiency allows you to resolve disputes without incurring the high expenses typically associated with prolonged legal battles.
Confidentiality: Our mediators are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of proceedings and outcomes.
Flexibility: Our mediation sessions are structured to meet the unique needs and schedules of the parties involved. Whether through in-person meetings or virtual sessions, the AAA offers a flexible process tailored to accommodate various circumstances.
Preservation of Relationships: Mediation facilitated by the AAA fosters open communication and collaboration, helping to preserve personal or business relationships that might otherwise be strained or damaged through adversarial proceedings.
Choosing the AAA for Mediation
Our expertise
$2.4 billion
in dispute for mediations in 2025
90% recommend
rate of AAA mediation
100+ judges
on the Mediation Panel
Expertise Across Industries
Industries
Commercial Disputes
As a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), mediation is highly effective in resolving business disputes such as contract disagreements, partnership disputes, and other commercial conflicts.
Consumer Disputes
Consumers and businesses can use ADR mediation services to resolve disputes over products, services, warranties, and other contractual issues.
Have a vehicle issue? Explore our California Lemon Law Program.
Construction Disputes
Mediation helps resolve issues arising from construction projects, including contract breaches, project delays, workmanship disputes, and other construction-related conflicts.
For disputes in California, parties can turn to the Featured California Construction Mediation Panel, mediators with deep, real-world construction expertise.
Employment Disputes
Mediation is a valuable tool for resolving workplace conflicts, including issues related to employment contracts, wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination.
Family Mediation
Family mediation services provide a confidential, supportive space for resolving family disputes with care and respect, whether navigating separation, parenting plans, custody arrangements, or financial decisions.
Grievance Mediation
Mediation provides a confidential, collaborative process for resolving workplace and organizational grievances—everything from individual employee complaints and discrimination claims to union–management and policy disputes.
Healthcare Disputes
Mediation is particularly useful in resolving disputes between healthcare providers, patients, and insurers, including issues such as medical billing, malpractice claims, and healthcare contracts.
International Disputes
Mediation can effectively resolve cross-border disputes, including those involving international contracts, trade agreements, and multi-jurisdictional issues.
Other Areas
Mediation is also well-suited for disputes in specialized fields, including intellectual property, environmental matters, and other complex cases.
The AAA is Your Partner in High-Volume Caseloads
Large-volume mediation services
The AAA is uniquely equipped to manage large-scale mediation programs, such as claims following a natural disaster, or facilitating large-scale court-connected mediation programs, making it an ideal partner for handling high-volume mediation caseloads. With decades of experience, the AAA brings unparalleled expertise in administering large and complex caseloads efficiently and fairly.
Our streamlined case management systems provide consistent processes, transparency, and timely resolution across all cases. The AAA’s panel of trained, neutral mediators is carefully selected to address the specific needs of each program, bringing high standards of quality and professionalism.
We understand the unique challenges that come with large caseloads, including the need for scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. The AAA offers customizable mediation programs tailored to your requirements, supported by advanced technology platforms, that enhance efficiency while maintaining the human touch essential to effective conflict resolution. The AAA is your trusted partner in achieving mediation at scale.
Location spotlight
Los Angeles Civil Court Mediations
Any party or parties to a civil dispute in an LA County Court may initiate mediation with the AAA by sending a completed Submission to Mediation form to mediationservices@adr.org.
Parties with questions can also call +1 562-362-4248.
Featured Mediation Panelists
Panelists
Hon. Elaine Gordon (Ret.)
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John J. Rusk
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Marcus S. Quintanilla
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Denise Motta
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Hunter Hughes
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Brian Mooney
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Michael A. Hawash
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Sasha S. Philip
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Latest Updates
News
Introducing Mediation Magazine
Avoiding Misleading Mediator Communications
Mediation Aspects of SB940 in California: Public Comment Period Begins and Provider Organization Requirements
Mediation Cases
Online Mediation Past, Present, and Future
Mediation Procedures and Forms
Library
Commercial Mediation Procedures and Costs
Construction Mediation Procedures and Costs
Consumer Mediation Procedures and Costs
Employment Mediation Procedures and Costs
Grievance Mediation Procedures and Costs
International Mediation Procedures and Costs
Request for Mediation
California Code of Civil Procedure 871.26 (AB1755) Request for Mediation
Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How do I schedule a mediation with the AAA?
The best way to schedule your mediation is by going to https://fileonline.adrapps.org/ and following the steps.
How much does AAA mediation cost?
AAA mediation fees vary depending on the type of mediation, so be sure to reference the specific mediation procedures and fee schedule that applies to your case. For employment, commercial, construction, and international cases, a $250 non-refundable deposit, which will be applied toward the administrative fee, is required to initiate 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 is $75 per hour billed by the mediator, with a minimum four-hour charge for any mediation held. For the commercial and construction practice areas, the administrative fee is split by the parties. For the employment practice area, all expenses of the mediation are paid by the employer, unless the parties agree otherwise post-dispute.
Consumer mediation cases follow a distinct fee structure. The individual filing fee is a non-refundable $25, the business filing fee is a non-refundable $225, and mediator compensation is a flat rate of $300/hour. For consumer cases, the business pays all mediator compensation unless the parties agree otherwise.
For the grievance practice area, a flat fee of $2,500 will be billed to the parties equally, unless mutually agreed otherwise. This fee includes both the mediator’s compensation and the AAA’s administrative fee.
What happens after a mediation request is filed with the AAA?
Once a mediation request is filed, the AAA acknowledges its receipt of the filing. Once the AAA confirms that any initial fees due are paid and that there is a 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. If the parties agree, the AAA will ask the parties to strike and rank the mediator list and 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 in the mediation. Mediation sessions can be held either in-person or virtually. For consumer cases, the AAA will appoint the mediator and mediations are held by video, telephone, or other electronic means.
Parties are encouraged to exchange relevant documents before the mediation session. While mediation is a less formal procedure than arbitration or litigation, mediators provide structure to the proceedings and help facilitate a constructive discussion.
What types of disputes can be resolved through AAA mediation?
The AAA facilitates resolution mediation services across a wide range of practice areas, including, but not limited to, commercial, construction, healthcare, consumer, and employment. AAA mediation services also cover family disputes and international disputes. The AAA also administers certain court-ordered, legal mediation services, following specialized rules for court-mandated mediation specific to the jurisdiction, when applicable.
Do parties need lawyers in AAA mediation?
Lawyers are not required during mediation, although parties may choose to have legal representation during the mediation process. The mediation process itself is non-binding unless the parties agree on the settlement terms. The mediator cannot impose a settlement. If the parties sign a written settlement agreement at the end of the process, that settlement is generally legally binding and enforceable in court.
The AAA case administrator and mediators cannot provide the parties with legal advice.
Can mediation be scheduled quickly with the AAA?
Mediation is designed to be an efficient process, and mediation can often be scheduled quickly with the AAA, depending on party and mediator availability.
Can mediation help avoid arbitration or litigation?
Yes, mediation is often viewed as a preferable way to resolve disputes, as it can lead to faster resolution and help preserve relationships. Mediation may be a suitable option if parties believe they can work toward resolution through discussion and compromise. If the dispute cannot be resolved towards the end of the mediation process, one or more parties may decide to proceed with arbitration or litigation. Even if the parties do not reach a full settlement in mediation, they often walk away with a better understanding of their dispute and a clearer sense of the next steps.
Are settlement agreements reached in AAA mediation binding?
Yes, a signed settlement agreement reached through mediation is generally legally binding. Under applicable federal and state law, the settlement can be enforced in court. Because mediation is a voluntary process, the mediator does not issue a binding decision or award; the binding obligation arises from the parties’ signed settlement agreement.
What happens if mediation does not result in a settlement?
If no settlement is reached and the parties are not satisfied by the end of the mediation process, one or more parties may decide to move forward with arbitration or litigation, depending on what their contract or applicable law provides.
Meet the Team
Contact us
Tracey Frisch
Lise Prisarojn
Adina Thammavongsa
Take the Next Step
Email us
Contact the AAA today at CustomerService@adr.org to learn more about our mediation services.