Arbitration, on the other hand, is usually faster and less expensive, and it is also conclusive. Based on nearly 70 years of experience, the AAA processes each case so that it moves smoothly from initiation to resolution. If problems arise, a case administrator will assist the participants. Each dispute is handled with confidentiality and integrity. Despite the best efforts of our court systems to improve processing time of civil disputes, the burdens of criminal cases, tight budgets, and other factors still create delays of years to bring a case to court in many jurisdictions.
Appeals extend the time required to reach a final result still further.
The only elements governing speed are the eagerness of the parties to end the dispute and the complexity of the cases to be resolved. The Association offers expedited services for disputes where the parties agree that speed is of the essence or where the claims are not large or complex. Parties who resolve their disputes through ADR enjoy the assistance of neutrals who are already expert in the subject matter of their disputes. The AAA's panel consists of expert and knowledgeable neutrals from many professions and industries. For example, parties to a construction industry dispute might select an architect, a contractor, or a lawyer with a lifelong practice in construction law to serve as their mediator or arbitrator.