Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the legal profession, prompting lawyers across practice areas to reassess how the technology fits into their work. Like many in the field, I have followed this evolution closely, curious about its potential, cautious about its implications, and mindful of the responsibility that comes with integrating AI into decision-making processes.
That perspective made the invitation from the American Arbitration Association® (AAA®) to participate in the development of its AI Arbitrator both meaningful and thought-provoking. While I felt honored and, admittedly, a bit hesitant, I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to a new approach to dispute resolution. At its core, arbitration and mediation are about problem-solving, and being part of the creation of a responsible AI-driven tool designed to help resolve disputes more quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively was genuinely compelling.
During 2025, I joined a group of experienced construction attorneys who worked closely with the AAA’s AI Arbitrator project team. Our role was hands-on and substantive: testing and validating the system’s outputs, evaluating the logic and structure of each step, and assessing the overall user experience. The goal was clear: to make the AI Arbitrator not only accurate and effective, but also practical and user-friendly for real-world dispute resolution.
What stood out to me most throughout this process was how carefully the developers listened. Week after week, our feedback was meaningfully incorporated into the product. Just as importantly, the fact that arbitrators, will review, revise (when necessary), and sign the final award provides confidence that disputes are still being decided with input and oversight of an experienced human AAA arbitrator. The care and thoughtfulness of the AAA product team helped transform my skepticism into trust in a system at the forefront of dispute resolution.
It is not difficult to envision how this technology could expand across various phases of construction disputes, and into other dispute types all together, offering more efficient resolution of increasingly complex issues. Having seen the AI Arbitrator up close, I believe it represents a thoughtful, responsible step forward, one that balances innovation with the experience and judgment that remain essential to effective arbitration.
About the Author: Mike Pipkin
Mike Pipkin is an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator with Weinstein Radcliff Pipkin, LLC and a member of the American Arbitration Association’s National Panel of Construction Arbitrators. With more than 35 years of experience, Mike has represented clients in complex business, construction, surety, bankruptcy, fidelity, insurance, and commercial litigation across Texas, Louisiana, and nationwide.
Mike’s practice is grounded in collaboration and strategy—working closely with clients to identify desired outcomes and craft effective paths to resolution. In November 2023, he completed the Harvard Mediation Intensive, sponsored by the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School.
A nationally recognized thought leader, Mike has held numerous leadership roles within the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section and has served on advisory councils and professional organizations across the legal industry. Through his work as a mediator and arbitrator, Mike brings deep legal experience and practical judgment to helping parties resolve disputes efficiently and thoughtfully.