In construction, mega-projects are exactly what their moniker suggests — large-scale projects that span multiple years, cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and require experts from a range of different specialties. These colossal undertakings often involve a level of complexity that increases the likelihood of disagreements and, potentially, prolonged legal disputes that threaten project schedules, budgets, and overall success.
To address the unique challenges that arise at different stages of these massive construction projects, the American Arbitration Association® (AAA®) established the Mega Project Panel, a specialized roster of arbitrators with the expertise to allow them to handle issues that may arise in even the most sophisticated construction and infrastructure disputes. Well-versed in dealing with large-scale construction projects at every stage, the Mega Project Panel provides neutrals to serve in the following capacities: (i) on a project’s dispute resolution board, before arbitrations are filed, (ii) as a mediator, to help resolve discrete issues without the need for arbitration, or (iii) as arbitrators in any dispute deemed to be large enough to constitute a Mega Project.
The AAA’s Mega Project Panel was established through a survey of users, who were invited to nominate and rate neutrals with exceptional experience and expertise in resolving disputes involving large-scale construction projects. Currently, the AAA’s Mega Project Panel consists of attorneys and industry professionals who are experts in areas such as:
- Industrial Projects
- Medical Projects
- Infrastructure development
- Energy projects
- Transportation systems
- Public-private partnerships (P3s)
Since the panel’s inception in 2015, the AAA has administered over 300 Mega Project construction cases in which the claim value exceeded $20 million dollars, with the largest matter involving a claim of $510 Million. As infrastructure investment expands throughout the United States and globally, and construction projects become increasingly sophisticated and specialized, the AAA's Mega Project Panel represents an important evolution in arbitration, bringing together professionals capable of managing the legal, technical, and commercial complexities of the world's largest construction endeavors.
By combining industry expertise with structured dispute resolution processes, the panel helps stakeholders navigate conflicts more efficiently, reduce uncertainty, and keep critical projects moving forward. In an era defined by ambitious infrastructure development, that capability may be more important than ever.