Today in many state and federal jurisdictions around the country there are mandatory and voluntary court-sponsored ADR programs to divert cases which might be settled without litigation. Virtually every sort of dispute that can be litigated can be mediated or arbitrated. The American Arbitration Association's caseload includes disputes involving business, insurance, labor relations, environment, public policy, family, securities, technology, employment, international trade, and many other areas. Business controversies arise from millions of commercial contracts containing clauses that provide for arbitration of disputes. The AAA's Construction Industry Arbitration Rules are designated in most building contracts.
Claims involve cost overruns, changes in specifications, and delays.
In international commerce, many firms incorporate arbitration clauses in their contracts to avoid litigating in a foreign court. The Association a source of information on international arbitration. In addition to administering such cases under its own International Arbitration Rules, the AAA will administer under any other system selected by the parties. The AAA promotes New York City as an attractive site for international arbitration. Labor-management disputes can also be resolved using the Association's procedures.