Mission

A national group of prominent, experienced commercial arbitrators have constituted themselves the Founding Board of the College of Commercial Arbitrators. It was the view of these individuals that a national organization of commercial arbitrators could provide a meaningful contribution to the profession, the public and to the businesses and lawyers who depend on commercial arbitration as a primary means of dispute resolution:

  • Identify those individuals whose professional training and experience qualify them to undertake the most complex and difficult arbitration assignments
  • Promote professionalism and high ethical practice in commercial arbitration
  • Adopt and maintain standards of conduct
  • Develop "best practices" materials
  • Provide peer training and professional development
  • Provide opportunities for interaction among peers

Fellowship in the CCA is by invitation of the Board. Membership criteria include substantial experience as a commercial arbitrator for a minimum of seven years, high ethical standards, and high regard in the field among academics, other neutrals and counsel. Current Fellows nominate proposed Fellows. Our size is limited by our high standards for fellowship and our intention that this be an elite organization; we would hope to achieve a diverse, highly selective membership primarily of full-time commercial arbitrators and academics.

We are a not-for-profit corporation formed under California law. Our officers and directors are identified below. We intend to meet as an organization at least once each year (where possible in close proximity to the annual meetings of major dispute resolution organizations); our Board or Executive Committee will meet at least quarterly to address business and operational issues. Annual dues are presently set at $500 per year.

Relations with Other Organizations

Channels of communication and cooperation will be proposed to the Section of Dispute Resolution of the American Bar Association, the American Arbitration Association, JAMS, CPR Institute and the National Academy of Arbitrators.

Consideration will also be given to regular communication with other national and state-based organizations that are concerned with the practice of commercial arbitration and with legislation and judicial decisions bearing upon the commercial arbitration process.