The American Arbitration Association, a nonprofit provider of alternative dispute resolution services, has partnered with Stetson University College of Law to launch a new online certificate program focused on arbitration advocacy. The program, titled “The Fundamentals of Arbitration Advocacy,” is designed to equip early-career attorneys and legal professionals with foundational skills in arbitration.
The three-week course offers a structured yet flexible format, allowing participants to complete weekly modules on their own schedules. The curriculum includes expert-led video instruction, interactive exercises covering opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and summations, along with personalized feedback. Participants will also gain practical knowledge of arbitration procedures, including filing processes, arbitrator selection, and preliminary hearings.
The program incorporates live Zoom office hours and instruction from experienced arbitrators affiliated with the American Arbitration Association, alongside faculty from Stetson Law. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and a digital badge recognizing their training.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to expand access to practical legal education in arbitration, a field that continues to evolve as an alternative to traditional litigation. The course is administered through the Stetson University College of Law Office of Professional Education and is scheduled to begin on May 4, 2026.
Stetson Law, recognized for its strength in trial advocacy and legal writing education, emphasized that the collaboration aligns with its mission to provide hands-on training opportunities for the legal community. The American Arbitration Association, which marks its centennial in 2026, continues to focus on innovation and education in dispute resolution practices.
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“As arbitration evolves, so must the education pathways that prepare ADR professionals. Through this partnership with Stetson University, we are expanding access to high-quality training that equips attorneys to address both current practice and emerging challenges in arbitration.”
Christine Newhall, Senior Vice President of AAA Education, American Arbitration Association
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the AAA on this project, which combines the AAA’s expertise in dispute resolution with Stetson Law’s nationally renowned expertise in advocacy education.”
Benjamin Barros, Dean, Stetson University College of Law
