New ARIAS•U.S. Membership Enhancements
We are pleased to announce a series of important updates and initiatives that reflect ARIAS•U.S.’s continued efforts to expand member access, enhance the value of arbitrator certification, and address emerging needs within the arbitration community. These developments are part of the Board’s strategic commitment to ensuring that ARIAS•U.S. remains responsive, inclusive, and forward-looking. You will hear more about these initiatives at the 2025 Spring Conference.
Certified Arbitrator Benefits (Effective July 1, 2025)
- Complimentary Access to Educational Programming
Beginning July 1, 2025, Certified Arbitrators will be entitled to free registration for all ARIAS•U.S. educational events, including webinars, seminars, and workshops (this does not include the Fall or Spring Conferences). - Reduced Ethics Recertification Fee
The fee for the Online Ethics Course required for biennial recertification will be reduced to $75 from the current rate of $150 effective July 1, 2025. This applies solely to Certified Arbitrators seeking recertification.
Membership Enhancements
- Expanded Access for Insurance and Reinsurance Company Members
The previous membership limitation of up to 15 linked profiles for Insurance and Reinsurance Company corporate members has been removed. This change allows newer and more junior professionals within these organizations to become active participants in the ARIAS•U.S. community.
- New Law Firm and Consulting Firm Corporate Membership Category
A new membership tier has been established specifically for law firms and consulting firms, allowing unlimited linked profiles. This structure accommodates those organizations with more than 15 professionals seeking engagement within ARIAS•U.S.
New Committees and Task Forces
We are pleased to announce the launch of the following initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and future readiness within the ARIAS•U.S. community:
- Future Leaders Committee – To empower and engage early and mid-career insurance and reinsurance professionals by providing opportunities for professional development, networking and leadership development within the framework of ARIAS•U.S.
- AI Task Force – To make recommendations regarding whether ARIAS•U.S. should pursue adoption of guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in ARIAS•U.S. arbitrations. A summary of the Task Force’s initial recommendations is attached.
- Direct Side Task Force – To develop and recommend a working arbitration model for policyholder disputes, including building a list of qualified arbitrators to adjudicate coverage disputes. The Task Force is reaching out to individuals affiliated with policyholders to explore jointly developed certification requirements and an arbitration model.
- Non-Advocate Arbitration Task Force – To examine the utility of arbitrator advocacy and ex parte communications, the ethical considerations that the system presents, and investigate the potential benefits of non-advocate tribunals and whether ARIAS•U.S. should provide a non-advocate offering.
Policy Updates (Effective July 1, 2025)
- ARIAS•U.S. Event Policy
A formal policy governing ARIAS•U.S. events will go into effect on July 1, 2025, providing clarity and consistency in event management and participation.
- ARIAS•U.S. Speaker Policy
A formal speaker policy will also take effect on July 1, 2025, providing clear guidance on the responsibilities and obligations speakers agree to undertake at all ARIAS•U.S. events.
These enhancements and initiatives are designed to better serve our members, increase access and engagement across all levels, and support the continued advancement of the arbitration profession. We thank you for your continued support and participation in ARIAS•U.S. and look forward to your involvement in these new initiatives.
________________________________________________________________________
AI Task Force Initial Recommendation
The AI Task Force unanimously recommends that ARIAS·U.S. adopt guidelines for the use of AI in ARIAS·U.S. arbitrations. Considerations behind this recommendation include:
- As businesses, organizations, law firms, and other entities turn to AI to drive efficiency across the insurance/reinsurance and legal industries, AI-empowered tools will increasingly become integral to the dispute resolution process.
- Several other ADR-related organizations, including the American Arbitration Association, JAMS, the Silicon Valley Arbitration & Mediation Center, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, have already adopted guidelines addressing the use of AI in arbitrations, mediations, or other alternative dispute resolution processes. ARIAS·U.S. cannot afford to fall any further behind.
- Adopting guidelines for the use of AI will further the ARIAS·U.S. mission by promoting training and education for arbitrators, supporting the efficient and transparent resolution of disputes in the insurance/reinsurance industry, and increasing confidence in the arbitration process.
To meet these goals, the AI Guidelines adopted by ARIAS·U.S. should consider addressing:
- Arbitral powers and considerations regarding the procedural issues raised by the use of AI in arbitrations, such as use and admissibility;
- The use of AI by ARIAS·U.S. Certified Arbitrators, including appropriate substantive uses, methodological considerations, and disclosure;
- The use of AI by counsel and parties involved in ARIAS·U.S. arbitrations, including transparency, methodological considerations, and agreements regarding the same;
- Protecting the confidentiality (where applicable) of arbitration information and documents; and
- The development of form materials (agreements, orders, etc.) addressing the use of AI in ARIAS·U.S. arbitrations.
Members of the ARIAS·U.S. AI Task Force
| Elaine Caprio | Taylor Hoffman |
| Michael Carolan | Maureen O’Connor |
| John Cashin | Mike Pado |
| Andrea Giannetta | Cia Moss – Board Liaison |
