John Ahlers has served as an AAA arbitrator since 1984. He is a member of the AAA’s Complex Construction Panel and has served on the AAA’s Mega Panel since its inception. A full-time neutral, he brings more than 45 years of experience as both a lawyer and engineer to the resolution of major construction disputes. A founding member of Ahlers Cressman & Sleight PLLC, he is a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers and a nationally recognized authority on construction law and arbitration.
With a lifelong connection to the construction industry—as a contractor’s son, engineer, and seasoned trial lawyer—John brings deep technical fluency and legal insight to his work as a neutral. We asked him how that unique blend of experience shapes his approach on the AAA Construction Panel.
Q: Tell us about your background in construction law or the construction industry.
John: I’ve been immersed in the construction industry my entire life. My father, an engineer and general contractor, made sure his sons gained hands-on experience in the trades—including operating heavy equipment. After earning a master’s degree in construction engineering and management from Stanford, I worked as a construction superintendent and project manager in Alaska. Two major projects I managed became the subject of disputes, and I experienced construction litigation firsthand as a witness. That experience inspired me to pursue a law degree at Gonzaga University. Since then, I’ve dedicated my legal career to resolving construction disputes—and I’ve never looked back.
Q: What types of construction disputes do you typically handle as an arbitrator or mediator?
John: Given my background, I typically serve as a neutral in complex construction disputes involving high-rise buildings, heavy civil and highway projects, industrial process facilities, prefabricated and modular construction, alternative energy systems, and data centers. I’m frequently selected for matters that demand in-depth knowledge of engineering, project management, and construction contracting.
Q: What drew you to ADR work in the construction space? What do you value most about serving as a neutral on the AAA's Construction Panel?
John: After many years as an advocate in construction litigation and arbitration, I wanted to give back to the industry that shaped my career. That desire led me to become a neutral and join the AAA’s Construction Panel. The most rewarding part of this role is establishing a fair, orderly process that enables parties to resolve complex disputes in a just and peaceful way. Helping industry participants reach resolution—without unnecessary conflict—is a privilege I deeply value.
Q: What advice do you have for parties preparing for arbitration or mediation in complex construction disputes?
John: Tailor the process to fit your dispute. Arbitration rules are inherently flexible, allowing parties to create a customized resolution framework that meets their specific needs. In my experience, parties who thoughtfully design a streamlined, cost-effective process—one that strikes the right balance between fairness and efficiency—are far more likely to be satisfied with the outcome.