How to Verify a Mediator or Arbitrator Credential

Why mediator and arbitrator verification matters

Unlike licensed professionals (attorneys, doctors), mediators and arbitrators in the U.S. are not licensed by state governments in most contexts. Anyone can offer mediation services. The result is significant credential inflation — mediators citing certifications from trade organizations with low barriers to entry, or arbitrators overstating panel affiliations.

For legal disputes, commercial arbitrations, and court-connected mediation programs, the neutrals you use have significant authority over outcomes. Verifying that a mediator is actually on the AAA panel, or that an arbitrator is registered with FINRA for securities disputes, protects the integrity of the process and the enforceability of any resulting agreement or award.

AAA (American Arbitration Association)

The American Arbitration Association is the largest private dispute resolution organization in the U.S. Being on an AAA arbitration panel requires an application process, background review, and demonstrated subject-matter expertise. AAA panels are organized by specialty (Commercial, Employment, Construction, International, etc.).

AAA does not maintain a fully public searchable roster. To verify panel membership:

• Contact the AAA directly through adr.org or their regional offices
• Ask for confirmation of panel membership in writing for the specific panel type claimed
• For pending cases, the AAA case manager can confirm whether a proposed arbitrator is on the applicable roster

Membership on an AAA list does not mean the arbitrator is available — always check current availability and any potential conflicts of interest through the case management process.

FINRA: securities arbitration and mediation

FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) administers the largest securities dispute resolution forum in the U.S. FINRA arbitrators are classified as either Public (no significant ties to the securities industry) or Non-Public (industry background). Most investor cases use a panel of three arbitrators with a majority Public composition.

FINRA arbitrator information is publicly searchable. To verify:

1. Go to finra.org/arbitration-mediation/arbitration-mediator-search
2. Search by name — results include the arbitrator's classification (Public/Non-Public), disclosure history, and cases served
3. Review disclosure information for any conflicts or disciplinary history relevant to your matter

FINRA mediators are also searchable through the same portal. FINRA mediators work by agreement of the parties and are not imposed by the forum.

JAMS and other private dispute resolution providers

JAMS is the second-largest private dispute resolution provider in the U.S. after the AAA. JAMS panelists are typically retired judges or senior attorneys with significant litigation experience. JAMS publishes a public panelist roster at jamsadr.com/neutrals — searchable by name, specialty, and location.

Other private providers with searchable rosters include:

• AHLA (American Health Law Association) — healthcare dispute resolution
• NASD — predates FINRA; historical arbitration records may be relevant
• ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) — international commercial arbitration; verify through iccwbo.org
• CPR (International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution) — cpr-adr.org for commercial disputes

State court mediator rosters

Many states maintain certified mediator rosters for court-connected mediation programs. These typically require training hours, mentored co-mediation sessions, and ongoing continuing education. Court certification in one state does not transfer to another.

Professional designations: ACB, CMF, CEDR

Professional credentialing bodies issue designations that indicate training and experience standards, separate from panel memberships:

Verification checklist