AAA-ICDR Innovaaation

We innovate to help people resolve disputes fairly and effectively.

Innovation is at the core of our mission to advance dispute resolution

AAA-ICDR^® Focus Areas

Advancing ADR Rules, Procedures and Processes

New Products

and Services

Technology Enhancements

Innovation happens when we move past incremental improvements and towards transformational change.

Our innovation practice gives us the tools to gain fresh insights into solving customers’ problems in new and better ways, prepares us to overcome unexpected challenges and adapt to accelerating change.

Since 1926, the American Arbitration Association^® has been a leader in alternative dispute resolution. And while our centennial birthday is at hand, we are thinking of ourselves as a 100-year old startup. In these times of accelerating change, we are not content to continue doing things as they have always been done.

We are constantly challenging the status quo, educating ourselves on emerging trends and technologies, finding new ways to leverage our competencies and assets, and putting ourselves in our customers’ shoes to understand their needs.

As a worldwide leader in alternative dispute resolution we are committed to customer and case information security and uninterrupted operation in the wake of a significant business disruption or disaster. We have implemented technologies to help protect all case data stored and managed on the AAA-ICDR’s technology infrastructure.

Innovation is not just about technology but about people and processes

We continue to focus on innovations that will improve the quality of client experience and AAA operations. To drive innovation we teach all levels of staff to think innovatively and empower them to champion new ideas. New technologies and innovative thinking will help us create the future of alternative dispute resolution.

AAA-ICDR Innovations

1. Advancing ADR Rules, Procedures and Processes

Administrative Review Council (ARC)

ARC acts as the administrative decision-making authority for the AAA to resolve certain administrative issues arising on large, complex domestic cases.

Alternative Fee Arrangements for Arbitrators

Commercial and construction regular or large, complex track cases with two parties and a single arbitrator may have an arbitrator serve for a fixed fee or capped fee arrangement.

Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Boards (DARBs)

Typically panels of three neutral, technically qualified individuals who can give recommended solutions so businesses can resolve their differences in real-time-often without attorneys and prior to an arbitration.

Commercial Rule R-10

Rule that allows parties to pursue mediation concurrent with arbitration, lowering cost and increasing efficiency and increasing the opportunity for resolution.

Supplementary Rules for Fixed Time and Cost Construction Arbitration

These rules provide an arbitration process that will be predictable in terms of total time and cost. Fees and maximum days are capped based on the range of the claim amount.

AAA WebFile^® ECF Guidelines

AAA is promulgating new ECF guidelines which promote the e-filing of documents for secure and efficient management.

2. New Products and Services

AAA-ICDR Deposition and Hearing Services

Worldwide virtual/hybrid hearing hosting and support, exhibit management, stenographic court reporting, AI-powered transcription, translation, interpreters, and concierge conference room booking.

CaseShield by AAA-ICDR^®

Cloud-based technology security protection for arbitrators and
mediators.

ClauseBuilder^® Tool

Customize an (arbitration, mediation, or arbitration-mediation) clause for commercial, construction,
employment, international, and healthcare contracts.

Panelist eCenter^® Mobile App

Panelists access their cases to view documents, events and tasks. Contact case participants directly from the app.

Rules and Clauses App

Access the latest AAA rules and clauses with this downloadable mobile app.

AAA WebFile Mobile App

Parties access their cases to view documents, events and tasks. Contact case participants directly from the app.

3. Technology Enhancements

Arbitrator Search Platform

Parties view the full roster of arbitrators and choose the best arbitrators for their case.

Case Management Automation

Introduced Bots to complete repetitive administrative tasks and bulk requests.

Online Fee Calculator

Transparent, administrative fee calculator on AAA's website.

Panelist eCenter

Access case data, securely manage case documents and hearing exhibits.

Simple File

Submit new case filings through a secure network connection.

AAA WebFile

Access case data, e-file documents, and securely transmit and manage hearing exhibits.

AAAi Lab

A center to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence through guidance, education and products.

"Our IT department is not only about maintaining systems and ensuring seamless operations; we strive to be the architects of change. As the CIO, I am proud to lead a team of forward-thinking experts who continually push the boundaries to create innovative solutions that optimize our service offerings, and empower Arbitrators and Mediators to excel in the digital age."

Diana Didia
SVP/ Chief Information and Innovation Officer

“Given the exponential rate of change in our time, AAA’s innovation competency is essential to ensure we meet the needs of parties who rely on us now and in the future.”

Linda Beyea
Vice President of Innovation

“Innovation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity in today's rapidly changing landscape. Our Innovation Practice showcases our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous growth. We encourage our diverse teams to challenge the status quo and explore uncharted territories.

Our focus is on delivering tangible value. We don't chase innovation for the sake of novelty; we look for solutions that address real customer needs. It works because we insist on collaboration and cross-pollination of expertise—everybody is in. By democratizing innovation, we have built a culture of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience.”

Bridget M. McCormack
President and CEO

How we Innovate

Talent

In addition to a Vice President and two Directors of Innovation, we have trained over 50 coaches and developed 9 innovation teams in offices across divisions and around the world. All staff receive continued innovation training.

Ideas

We launched an innovation platform to empower our entire team to create, identify, share, and develop ideas that provide maximum impact on client satisfaction and AAA operations.

Technology

We identify and respond to unique challenges and devise tailored, cutting-edge solutions to optimize performance, efficiency, and security. Our IT team has expertise in emerging technologies and agile methodologies and a deep understanding of industry trends to keep us ahead of the ever-evolving technology curve.

Innovation Team