Mass Arbitration Services
Intro
What is Mass Arbitration?
Mass arbitration offers an effective way to resolve a large number of individual cases. The AAA, at its sole discretion, may designate a case as a mass arbitration when the following criteria are met:
- Volume: Twenty-five or more similar arbitration demands are filed against the same party.
- Representation: Consistent or coordinated representation is present across all claims.
How the AAA Can Help
Benefits
Our Mission: As a not-for-profit, public-service organization, the AAA is committed to neutrality, fairness, and accessibility.
Decades of Experience: We offer extensive expertise in managing high-volume disputes across industries.
Qualified Arbitrators & Mediators: Our experienced panelists meet the AAA’s stringent qualification standards and bring industry-specific knowledge to their cases.
Streamlined Rules: AAA Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules are designed to efficiently manage large-scale filings involving related parties.
Technology-Driven: We leverage advanced tools to simplify the administration of mass arbitration services, improving speed and efficiency.
Collaborative Approach: Expert case administrators work closely with parties to tailor the process to their unique needs for cost-effective and timely dispute resolution. We also provide mass mediation as part of the mass arbitration process, enabling coordinated global resolution of related claims at scale.
Industry-Leading Expertise
Mass Arbitration Stats
35% paid no fees
among individual claimants in employment/workplace merits cases closed in 2025
72% of consumer cases
were settled prior to award, for merits cases closed in 2025
96% of settled consumer cases
did so prior to merits arbitrator appointment
Case Studies
A Track Record of Success
Leveraging our extensive experience, the AAA has played a vital role in administering high-volume disputes such as:
- Hurricane disaster-relief mediation programs.
- Mortgage foreclosure assistance during “The Great Recession.”
- Government-led arbitration settlements like the Automobile Industry Special Binding Arbitration Program.
Mass Arbitration Services
Services
Consumer Mass Arbitration
Employment Mass Arbitration
Non-Consumer & Non-Employment Mass Arbitration
APIs
Enhance Efficiency with API Services
- Simplify case filing and document exchanges.
- Expedite scheduling.
- Enhance integration with legal technology platforms like document management and CRM systems.
APIs act as a bridge between software systems — streamlining processes, reducing manual data entry, and enabling seamless access to a broad range of services. This technology-focused approach improves efficiency and reduces costs for mass arbitration proceedings.
Interested in Initiating a Global Mediation?
Global mediation
Parties interested in initiating a global mediation related to a mass arbitration may direct general inquiries to MassArbitration@adr.org.
To help us assess and respond efficiently, please include the following in your message:
1. The name of the company involved
2. The law firms representing each party
3. The approximate number of individuals participating
4. A brief description of the nature of the dispute
Latest updates
News
Mass Arbitration in Transition: What 2025 Data Reveals About a Shifting Landscape
Documents for Mass Arbitration Services
Rules, forms, and fees
Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules
Consumer Mass Arbitration and Mediation Fee Schedule
Employment/Workplace Mass Arbitration and Mediation Fee Schedule
Non-Consumer and Non-Employment/Workplace Mass Arbitration Fee Schedule
Consumer Arbitration Rules Demand for Arbitration
Employment Arbitration Rules Demand for Arbitration
Request for Mediation
Case-Filing Spreadsheet
Sample Affirmation
Expert Resources to Navigate Mass Arbitration Disputes
Resource library
Educational Presentation on Mass Arbitration Dispute Resolution
Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules FAQ
AAA Standards of Conduct for Parties and Representatives
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Who can file a mass arbitration case with the AAA?
Consumers, employees, businesses, or individuals can initiate a mass arbitration case with the AAA through their counsel. Mass arbitration involves a large number of parties to an arbitration agreement filing similar claims against the same company or organization.
The AAA has distinct processes in place for consumer mass arbitration and employment/workplace mass arbitration cases. For all other practice areas, the AAA administers non-consumer and non-employment/workplace mass arbitration cases. The AAA has also handled government-led arbitration involving disputes within specific regulated industries.
How are mass arbitration services initiated with the AAA, and what documentation is required?
To initiate a mass arbitration case with the AAA, first email MassArbitration@adr.org to request a secure ShareFile link for document uploads. To complete a mass arbitration filing, parties need to provide the following, in accordance with the Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules:
- The case-filing spreadsheet
- A list of all representatives/counsel
- Relevant arbitration agreements or court orders
- A signed affirmation for each case
- Demand for Arbitration for each individual party
All submitted documents must follow the case identifier format. All documentation should be uploaded using the provided ShareFile link. All submission documents must also be sent to MassArbitration@adr.org and copied to the opposing party.
How are arbitrators selected in mass arbitration cases?
In mass arbitration cases, a process arbitrator is typically selected by the parties early in the case and manages all non-merits issues. A process arbitrator is usually necessary in mass arbitration cases to efficiently handle the complexities that arise in cases involving many parties.
The merit arbitrator(s) — the neutral(s) who render the binding award on an individual case basis — are selected in a separate process. If the parties’ contract does not specify how the arbitrator(s) are to be selected, the selection process is governed by the AAA’s industry-specific arbitration rules. The arbitrator(s) are generally selected through the rank and strike method. In consumer cases, the AAA usually administratively appoints the arbitrator.
How are costs managed in mass arbitration?
Mass arbitration costs vary by practice area, with separate fee schedules for consumer, employment/workplace, and non-consumer and non-employment/workplace mass arbitration cases. Consult the applicable fee schedule to determine current fees for your case. The consumer and employment/workplace mass arbitration fee schedules apply when 25 or more similar demands are filed against or on behalf of the same party or related parties; the non-consumer and non-employment/workplace fee schedule applies when 100 or more similar demands are filed.
Across all practice areas, mass arbitration proceedings are structured to promote efficiency, control costs, and manage high volumes of similar cases.
Are AAA mass arbitration awards binding?
Yes, generally, AAA awards issued by the merits arbitrator are final and binding. Under applicable federal and state law, arbitration awards can be enforced in court, with limited grounds to overturn — vacate — awards.
How does the AAA manage complex, high-volume mass arbitration cases?
The AAA has established frameworks to handle complex, high-volume cases. Our Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules help facilitate a streamlined approach to managing large-scale filings. While the AAA’s case management team provides administrative support, a process arbitrator is normally appointed early in mass arbitration cases to handle non-merits matters. A process arbitrator helps navigate the complexities of a mass arbitration filing and serves a distinct function from the merit arbitrator(s), who issue a binding award in the individual cases.