AAA Partners with Stetson Law to Address Arbitration Advocate Skills Gap
Event summary
- The American Arbitration Association (AAA) and Stetson University College of Law have launched a three-week online arbitration advocacy certificate program, 'The Fundamentals of Arbitration Advocacy'.
- The program, starting May 4, 2026, is targeted at new attorneys and those with limited arbitration experience.
- It combines AAA expertise in dispute resolution with Stetson Law's advocacy education, leveraging expert-led lessons, interactive exercises, and personalized feedback.
- Participants will receive a certificate and digital badge upon completion.
The big picture
The launch of this program highlights a growing recognition of the need for specialized training in arbitration advocacy as ADR continues to evolve and become increasingly prevalent as an alternative to litigation. AAA’s move to partner with a top-ranked law school underscores the importance of formalizing training in this area, particularly as arbitration cases become more complex and demanding. This initiative also reflects a broader trend of legal education institutions adapting to the changing needs of the legal profession by offering specialized, skills-based training.
What we're watching
- Market Demand
- The success of the program will hinge on the ability to attract sufficient enrollment, indicating the extent of the unmet need for arbitration advocacy training among legal professionals.
- Competitive Landscape
- Other ADR providers and law schools may respond by developing similar programs, potentially intensifying competition for legal professionals seeking specialized training.
- AAA Expansion
- The AAA’s investment in educational programs signals a broader strategy to shape the future of ADR and potentially expand its market share by cultivating a skilled talent pool.
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