Who serves as a neutral or arbitrator?
A Neutral is an impartial person who is selected by either the parties or their designated ADR forum to resolve their conflict. A Neutral Arbitrator is an impartial person assigned to hear and decide a case. For some suggested ways to select your arbitrator, click here. The Neutral Arbitrator takes the place of the judge and jury by performing the tasks usually assigned to them, IE: hearing the facts, applying the law and making an award. In most cases the neutral is a lawyer and/or a person having expertise in the subject matter that is in dispute. Depending on the type of case, come jurisdictions have minimal qualifications or criteria that must be met by those acting as arbitrators in that area. Additionally, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) forums, may have qualifications and criteria for the individuals serving as arbitrators of disputes filed with their forum. The GAMA E-Directory, Arbitration, contains an ever growing data base of persons who will perform the role of arbitra
