Neutrals

The parties may agree upon the neutrals in advance or the MAA can offer choices.  MAA neutrals include members of our National Advisory Board and other distinguished maritime attorneys who meet MAA standards.

The MAA reviews the qualifications of attorneys applying to serve as arbitrators and mediators. We require neutrals to meet the highest professional and ethical standards, including: 

• Distinguished academic background and professional credentials
• Admitted to practice law in the United States
• At least 15 years’ experience in maritime matters
• Formal education and training or experience in arbitration or mediation
• Judicial temperament, including fairness, impartiality and courtesy
• Respect of the maritime bar for ethical conduct and professional ability
• Additional qualifications established by the MAA

As maritime lawyers, many of our arbitrators and mediators are members of bar associations and other professional organizations at the national, state and local level. The MAA, however, is a completely independent public service organization dedicated to alternative dispute resolution.