In a big step toward greater transparency and accessibility in mediation, the AAA has unveiled its new Mediator Search Tool—an online platform designed to give users direct access to the AAA’s nationwide panel of qualified mediators. To explore the vision behind this initiative, we spoke with the AAA’s Division Vice President, Mediation Tracey Frisch, Mediation Director Lise Prisarojn, and President and CEO Bridget McCormack.
Together, they offer insights into how this tool was developed, whom it serves, and why it represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the AAA’s mediation services.
Q: What prompted the development of the mediator search tool?
Tracey Frisch: The development of the mediator search page and tool was driven by a desire to bring greater visibility and transparency to the exceptional talent on our mediator panels. Historically, the AAA had not made its panels publicly accessible. However, we recognized the importance of showcasing the caliber, expertise, and diversity of our mediators to the broader market.
By launching this tool, we aim to give users a clearer window into who our mediators are—their areas of specialization, geographic locations, and compensation rates—ultimately helping users make more informed decisions while also highlighting the outstanding qualifications of our neutrals.
Bridget McCormack: This is about building a smarter, more equitable system for resolving disputes. By opening up access to our panel, we’re not just showcasing excellence—we’re inviting trust, promoting transparency, and making it easier for people to connect with the right mediator at the right time.
Q: Who is the primary audience of the search tool?
Tracey Frisch: The primary audience includes those directly involved in mediation—most often their legal counsel or representatives—as well as the ultimate parties themselves. Essentially, anyone seeking to identify and select a mediator for their dispute would use this tool.
Bridget McCormack: We built this platform with all users in mind—from seasoned attorneys to people navigating the process on their own. It’s about meeting people where they are and making high-quality mediation more visible, approachable, and accessible to everyone.
Q: Can you speak to the main features that users can expect?
Tracey Frisch: The main features include mediator photos, full resumes, location details, areas of specialty, and compensation rates. Panelist videos—referred to as “panelist resumes”—also are available where applicable. Additionally, we’ll spotlight mediators each quarter.
Lise Prisarojn: Each quarter, we’ll feature a hand-selected cohort of featured mediators on the mediator search tool’s landing page. This spotlight is intended to help users quickly connect with highly regarded mediators who reflect the breadth of expertise and regional coverage of our panel. In the coming cohorts, we’ll aim to represent key specialties—such as construction, employment, and healthcare—as well as major markets including California, Texas, New York, Florida, the Midwest, and International.
Q: How would you say this tool improves on previous methods for selecting mediators?
Tracey Frisch: Previously, parties had no visibility into our mediator panel through adr.org. Case administrators did their best to suggest mediators, but the process offered limited transparency. Now, parties have much more control, with direct access to view and assess panel members themselves—giving them a clearer picture of who’s available and a greater role in the selection process.
Lise Prisarojn: Specifically for the mediation panel, AAA had the website aaamediation.org, but it often caused confusion. We wanted to clearly distinguish AAA panel members, as being part of the AAA’s panel signifies the highest caliber. Inclusion on the AAA-ICDR Roster of Mediators is by application only—it’s not open to just anyone offering mediation services. We've also elevated our mediator criteria, raising the standard to join the AAA’s mediation panel.
Bridget McCormack: Our previous process worked, but it didn’t reflect our values of openness and user empowerment. This tool transforms the experience—giving parties more insight, more choice, and a more direct path to quality dispute resolution.
Q: How easy is it for a party—especially a self-represented one—to use the tool?
Tracey Frisch: The tool allows AI-powered search and filters by expertise, location, and rates. A key differentiator is that mediator rates are publicly listed.
Lise Prisarojn: Self-represented parties may search differently from how attorneys would search on behalf of their clients. Rather than looking for specific credentials like academic accolades or years of experience at certain firms, they may describe their issue in plain language—like “cell phone dispute” or “billing issue.”
The tool can accommodate this by allowing natural language searches, helping users find mediators based on the users’ understanding of the dispute, rather than needing legal terminology or industry-specific keywords that legal professionals might use.
Q: In what ways do you anticipate the mediator search tool will enhance the efficiency or transparency of the mediation process?
Tracey Frisch: The tool will boost efficiency by letting parties search our panel and agree on a mediator before filing a mediation case—eliminating the wait for mediator selection or for the AAA to provide a mediator list. Transparency is also a key benefit. The tool clearly shows who’s on our panel, rather than limiting parties to a small selection or leaving them to guess. With virtual mediation now common, parties aren’t restricted to local mediators. While jurisdictional expertise can matter, there's more flexibility to choose from a wider pool. We currently have mediators from 45 states and 16 countries, giving parties broad, accessible options for selection.
Lise Prisarojn: This tool really supports the core principles of mediation: it’s a voluntary, neutral, and confidential process. By allowing parties to choose their mediator upfront, we streamline the process and let them move straight into the mediation. One of mediation’s biggest selling points is that it’s faster and cost-effective. This tool reinforces that—and ties directly into our “access to justice” mission—by making the process efficient and user-driven, just as mediation is meant to be.
Bridget McCormack: This changes the game. By making it easier to find the right mediator early, we reduce delays and increase trust. And by spotlighting the depth and diversity of our panel, we’re reinforcing our values—fairness, inclusion, and excellence in every case.
Q: What excites you most about the launch of this tool?
Tracey Frisch: I’m excited for the market to see the full extent of our panel. I think people will be genuinely impressed. I believe this tool will show the depth and breadth of our panel. We have excellent niche specialists and mediators suited for a wide range of cases. There’s truly someone for every dispute.
Lise Prisarojn: This is a major value-add for mediators and a valuable recruitment tool. It helps attract top talent who value the credibility of having AAA on their resume. It also highlights the deep subject matter expertise that sets us apart.
For example, in the inaugural cohort, one of our featured mediators is a civil engineer, attorney, and multilingual—a standout for complex international construction disputes. These niche, high-caliber profiles reflect the strength and diversity of our panel.
Bridget McCormack: What excites me most is what this tool says about us. It’s not just a digital upgrade—it’s a reflection of our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and elevating the work of extraordinary professionals. It tells the public, and our panelists, that we’re proud to lead with purpose.
Q: Has anything during the development process surprised you or led to an unexpected insight?
Tracey Frisch: Since starting this role in January, one of the most eye-opening parts has been getting to know our own mediators. Even after 17 years at the AAA, I didn’t have a clear view of who they were. Now, seeing that we have over 100 judges and hundreds of experts from across states and countries in a wide range of specialties—it’s not surprising, but it’s exciting. And I’m thrilled we get to share that with others.
As Lise mentioned, this is a major value-add—not just promoting the AAA’s mediation services, but also highlighting our individual mediators.
Lise Prisarojn: What stood out to me—especially when looking at the data—is the incredible depth and breadth of dispute types that our panelists are equipped to handle. We’re not limited by region; we mediate across the country and beyond, from individual cases to high-volume caseloads. It’s a reflection of both our reach and versatility.
Q: How does this initiative align with the AAA’s long-term goals in mediation and dispute resolution?
Tracey Frisch: We’re focused on expanding the value of our mediation support services—both for panelists and parties. Instead of simply “administration,” which can sound transactional, we’re focusing on meaningful support that enhances the mediation experience. For parties, working with AAA offers added structure, efficiency, and expertise that make it a valuable alternative to going ad hoc.
Lise Prisarojn: Surprisingly, many professionals still don’t associate the AAA with mediation—even from those who know our arbitration work well and know us as the legacy ADR provider. That’s why this tool matters. It publicly affirms that AAA offers the same high-quality mediation services as arbitration services and is committed to continuing to do so. We want the market to know that we’re more than arbitration. We don’t just arbitrate—we mediate, and we do it with the same excellence, integrity, and reach that have made us a trusted name in dispute resolution for nearly 100 years.