ARBITRATION

Arbitration positions involve helping resolve disputes by reviewing evidence, hearing arguments, and issuing binding or non-binding decisions. Professionals in this role ensure a fair and efficient process outside of court.

Fellowships

AAA Higginbotham Fellows Program

Organization Name: American Arbitration Association 
Location: New York City

Description: The American Arbitration Association (AAA) created the AAA A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Fellows Program ("AAA Higginbotham Fellows Program") in 2009 in order to provide training, mentorship and networking opportunities to up-and-coming diverse alternative dispute resolution professionals who have historically not been included in meaningful participation in the field of alternative dispute resolution.

The foundation of the Fellowship is a week-long intensive training program conducted at the AAA’s offices, consisting of interactive seminars on dispute resolution topics taught by leading ADR professionals, participation in mock arbitrations and mediations, and courses focused on building a career in ADR. Fellows also have the opportunity to attend the AAA’s Annual Meeting’s related events. Fellows are also matched with AAA arbitrators and mediators in their field of interest who commit to providing networking opportunities and advice to Fellows during the Fellowship year. Past Fellows have utilized their mentorships to shadow their mentors at arbitration hearings, co-facilitate ADR trainings, obtain career advice and critique their business plans. In addition, Fellows have served as speakers at several AAA sponsored events.

Limited scholarships will be available. Request for scholarship should be made at the time of application outlining financial need. 

Eligibility:

• Lawyers, arbitrators, mediators, and other ADR practitioners. 
• Individuals who have shown a strong interest and commitment to ADR through work experience, pro-bono efforts, recommendations, academic achievements, personal essays, articles, and current work plans. 
• Individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including racially and ethnically diverse candidates, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Required Documents:

• Application Form 
• Cover Letter: Detail your interest, experience, and achievements in ADR.
• Resume or CV 
• Recommendation Letter: Preferably from someone knowledgeable about your ADR experience and commitment 

Compensation: unpaid, participants are responsible for their travel-related expenses.

How to Apply: https://www.adr.org/higginbotham-fellows-program/

Mentorships

There are no postings available at the moment. Please check back soon for new opportunities.

Paid Positions

Director of ADR Services

Organization Name: American Arbitration Association

Location: Seattle, WA, United States

Date Posted: Dec 11, 2025

Description: The Director of ADR Services is responsible for driving business development in the assigned region, promoting dispute resolution services, and managing the administration of arbitration and mediation cases. The role involves building effective business relationships with clients, advocates, and industry partners, and promoting the use of AAA's ADR services. 

This is a hybrid position (1-2 days or more in office, dependent on business need) and an annual incentive opportunity targeting 10%. Compensation for this position is based on location. This position requires fluency in both English and Spanish or French, including the ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken formats would  be desirable.

• San Francisco, CA: $104,800 - $111,000
• Los Angeles, CA I Seattle, WA : $98,300 - $104,100

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) is the leading provider of arbitration and mediation dispute resolution services, and has consistently been named one of the 50 best non-profits to work for by the Non-Profit Times, our employees enjoy rewarding careers in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. We offer a competitive compensation package, including incentives. Eligible employees also participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, orthodontia, vision coverage, student loan repayment, 403(b) retirement plan with substantial company match, discounted pet insurance, and generous paid-time-off benefits. 

Responsibilities: 

• Serves as primary case management contact with parties and mediators on assigned cases; makes decisions on case issues in consultation with the Regional VP.
• Proactively identifies and pursues opportunities to grow the organization's ADR services business. Develops strategic plans and pitches to potential clients.
• Plays a vital role in the regional legal, business and ADR communities, focusing on being a resource to facilitate dispute resolution and promote the use of AAA's ADR services. Builds and maintains strong relationships with clients, prospects, and industry partners.
• Develops and delivers engaging presentations to various stakeholder groups, effectively communicating the organization's value proposition.
• Manages assigned cases and ensures information is entered and maintained in case management system; makes case-related decisions by applying knowledge of rules and procedures and exercising independent judgment and discretion.
• Advises arbitrators on procedural hearing management and related issues.
• Analyzes needs, problems and trends of users as well as the quality of service delivered by pulling relevant metrics from the existing database; responds to inquiries regarding AAA's ADR services in a timely manner.
• Participates in hearings/conferences and provides feedback and recommendations where appropriate to the RVP in order to maintain or improve the quality and delivery of services.
• Helps recruit panel members consistent with AAA's Qualification Criteria for Admittance to the Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators; participates in review of panel members based on existing caseloads and needs.
• Reviews and tracks trends regarding the regional markets where we provide our services.
• Assists with arbitrator training programs, education programs/conferences and elections as necessary.
• Ensures confidentiality of case information and case records; adheres to the AAA's information security and data privacy policies, procedures, and practices.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and predictable job attendance.
• Attends on-site and in-person meetings and training sessions.

Eligibility:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required in business, legal, or related discipline (advanced degree preferred); 3-5 years of related work experience in a business development role, preferably in the Legal Services field; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Business Development Skills: Proven track record of identifying, pursuing and closing new business opportunities. Adept at building and managing client relationships. Strategic thinker with strong sales and negotiation abilities.
• Strong presentation and communications skills (written and verbal).
• Technology Skills: Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Travel: Ability to travel periodically (20%) to clients, training events, and other AAA offices and conferences.

How To Apply: https://careers.adr.org/jobs/17022906-director-of-adr-services

Salons/Incubators

There are no postings available at the moment. Please check back soon for new opportunities.

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Scholarships

AAR-ICDR Diversity Scholarship Grants

Organization Name: American Arbitration Association-International Centre for Dispute Resolution Foundation(AAA-ICDR Foundation)
Description: The Fund provides financial assistance of up to $2,000 to students or professionals. This support can be used towards:

· Degree program or fellowship in alternative dispute resolution

· Conference or training program in alternative dispute resolution

Access education and training opportunities that advance careers and enhance inclusivity within the field.

Eligibility:

• Individuals with diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds including women, racially and ethnically diverse candidates, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Acceptance in a degree program or fellowship in alternative dispute resolution or confirmation of registration at a well-recognized conference or training program in alternative dispute resolution.
• Need for financial assistance.

Required Documents:

Completion of the online application, complete with all required attachments, including:

• One-page cover letter of interest including details of qualifying ADR degree program, fellowship or well-recognized conference
• Supporting program materials showing acceptance to an ADR degree program or fellowship or registration to a well-recognized ADR conference
• Biography to be used for announcement of scholarship awards

How To Apply: https://www.aaaicdrfoundation.org/diversity-scholarship

Trainings

Labor Arbitrator Development Program 2026

Organization Name: ILR Scheinman Institute

Location: New York City and Washington, DC

Description:

With a looming shortage of qualified labor arbitrators, there is an urgent need to cultivate a new generation of professionals who understand the complexities of today’s workforce. The Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution at Cornell ILR offers two unique training opportunities designed to meet this demand:

• Foundations of Labor Arbitration Course
• Labor Arbitrator Development Program – Cohort Four

Together, these programs provide emergent arbitrators with the essential training, practical skills, personalized mentoring, and hands-on experience needed to build a successful career in labor arbitration.

Over 18-months hybrid and in-person, the program offers:

• The opportunity to learn from world-class faculty in the field of labor/management arbitration
• Award writing instruction and feedback on draft awards
• Development of the arbitration process skills necessary to conduct quality hearings
• Instruction and individualized assistance in developing a conflict resolution career plan
• Instruction in contract interpretation, discipline and just cause, evidence, and ethics

Financing options and scholarships are available. Please contact ilrcustomerservice@cornell.edu for more information. 

Cost: $10,000

Required Documents:

• Application Form 
• Essay
• Resume or CV 
• Two Letters of Professional Reference 

How To Apply: https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/scheinman-institute/labor-arbitrator-development-program/application

Volunteer

There are no postings available at the moment. Please check back soon for new opportunities.

CASE MANAGEMENT 

Case management roles focus on coordinating dispute resolution cases from start to finish. This includes scheduling hearings, managing communications between parties, and maintaining accurate case records.

There are no job postings available at the moment. Please check back soon for new opportunities.

CONFLICT PROGRAM COORDINATION

Conflict program coordinators design, implement, and oversee initiatives that promote constructive conflict resolution. They often manage partnerships, training, and outreach to strengthen community or organizational ADR efforts. 

There are no job postings available at the moment. Please check back soon for new opportunities.

FACILITATION

Facilitators guide discussions among groups or organizations to help them reach consensus on key issues. They create structured, inclusive environments that promote open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

There are no job postings available at the moment. Please check back soon for new opportunities.

MEDIATION

Mediators assist parties in resolving disputes through guided conversation and negotiation. They help clarify interests, explore solutions, and support parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements.

Mentorships

Montana Mediation Association Mentorship Program

Organization Name: Montana Mediation Association (MTMA) 

Location: Remote

Description: MTMA is launching a pilot one-one-one mentoring program! If you're looking to strengthen your skills and grow in the field of mediation, participation in a mentorship program provides:

• Personalized guidance – Learn directly from experienced Certified Mediators who can help you navigate real-world challenges.
• Practice development support – Receive tailored advice on building your practice, handling cases, and achieving your professional goals.
• Expanded professional network – Connect with Montana's mediation leaders and peers who can offer insights and opportunities for observation and co-mediation.
• Increased confidence – Gain reassurance and encouragement as you refine your mediation approach and decision-making skills.

Cost: Upon acceptance and matching, mentees will be charged a fee of $100 (15% discount for MTMA members) to participate in the program. If the fee is a concern, please reach out to us. We're happy to discuss options.

How To Apply: Google Form application link.

NEUTRAL EVALUATION

Neutral evaluators provide an impartial assessment of each party’s case, offering insight into likely outcomes if the matter proceeded to court. Their evaluations help parties better understand strengths, weaknesses, and potential settlement options.

There are no job postings available at the moment. Please check back soon for new opportunities.