ArbitrateAD: Building a Digital-First International Arbitration Centre in Abu Dhabi

ArbitrateAD: Building a Digital-First International Arbitration Centre in Abu Dhabi

In this episode of Arbitration Acumen, J.P. Duffy sits down with Maria Mazzawi, registrar of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), to explore how the institution has built one of the Middle East’s most modern arbitration frameworks from the ground up. Maria shares insights into arbitrateAD’s caseload growth, digital-first case management platform (docketAD), and procedural innovations, including emergency arbitration, expedited proceedings and early dismissal tools. The conversation also covers arbitrateAD’s expanding international caseload, its positioning within the UAE’s evolving dispute resolution landscape and its recent expansion into mediation and dispute avoidance services.

Mass Arbitration Series, Part 5: How Employers Respond to Mass Arbitration Claims

Mass arbitration is reshaping how employers manage risk in labor and employment disputes. In this final installment of the Mass Arbitration Series, host J.P. Duffy speaks with labor and employment partner Brian Patterson about how respondents are adapting to the growing use of mass arbitration as an alternative to class and collective actions. They discuss how arbitration agreements — which are often designed to limit aggregate exposure — can create new operational and financial pressures when large volumes of individual claims are filed simultaneously. The conversation also highlights how claim value, filing fees and procedural rules influence whether companies pursue early settlement or defend claims on the merits. The episode concludes with practical guidance for employers, including the importance of regularly updating arbitration clauses, aligning with evolving provider rules and avoiding inconsistent agreement frameworks across the workforce.

Mass Arbitration Series, Part 4: Claimant Strategies, Risks and Economics

Mass arbitration is reshaping how large-scale disputes are brought and resolved, particularly as class action waivers push claims into individual arbitration. In this episode of The Arbitration Acumen Podcast, J.P. Duffy speaks with Michael Hartmere, CEO of The HQ Firm, about the claimant’s approach to mass arbitration, including how firms vet and file claims at scale, manage operational and financial risk, and leverage technology and litigation funding. They discuss: * Key differences between mass arbitration and class actions * “Fee bombing” strategies * The growing role of technology in claim management * The economics of litigation funding and portfolio risk The episode also explores how claimant strategies are evolving in response to rule changes, institutional reforms and judicial scrutiny, positioning mass arbitration as a central and evolving feature of modern dispute resolution.

Mass Arbitration Series, Part 3: The AAA's Procedures

The Arbitration Acumen Podcast continues its series on mass arbitration with a discussion with Adam Shoneck, vice president for business development and outreach at the American Arbitration Association (AAA). Adam talks with host J.P. Duffy about the rise of mass arbitration following the US Supreme Court’s decision in AT&T Mobility LLC v. Concepcion, the surge of “mega” filings beginning in 2019 and how the AAA responded with structured procedures.

Mass Arbitration Series, Part 2: JAMS’ Process

On this episode of The Arbitration Acumen Podcast, J.P. Duffy is joined by Elizabeth Carter, senior vice president at JAMS and a principal drafter of the JAMS Mass Arbitration Procedures, for a deep dive into mass arbitration—what it is, why it has surged in recent years and how institutions and parties are responding. Drawing on real-world experience, J.P. and Elizabeth explore the legal, procedural and economic dynamics of mass arbitration and offer practical guidance for in-house counsel navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.