The AAA just adopted Al to handle construction disputes
The 97-year-old institution just started using AI arbitrators, and here’s what that means for lawyers.
The American Arbitration Association announced their new “AI Arbitrator” for construction disputes.
Let that sink in. The AAA—one of the most established ADR institutions in the country—is now offering AI-powered dispute resolution.
Here’s how it works: Parties upload documents through a guided interface, the AI analyzes claims and evidence, applies legal reasoning, and recommends an award.
A human arbitrator reviews and issues it, but AI does the heavy lifting.
This is exactly what Richard Susskind predicted.
Susskind called it
For decades, lawyers dismissed Susskind’s predictions about AI transforming the legal profession. “Too complex,” they said. “Requires human judgment.”
In his books—from “The Future of Law” to “Tomorrow’s Lawyers”—Susskind warned that AI would handle more sophisticated legal work.
Most lawyers ignored him.
Well, here we are.
The AAA isn’t a Silicon Valley startup trying to “disrupt” legal services. They’re a 97-year-old institution handling real disputes with real money at stake.
If they trust AI to analyze evidence and recommend awards, what does that say about AI’s capabilities?
The big picture
This isn’t just about arbitration. It’s about pattern recognition.
Document review: AI already outperforms junior lawyers
Legal research: Tools like Midpage are better (and cheaper) than Lexis
Contract analysis: AI can spot issues humans miss
Now arbitration joins the list.
The timeline is accelerating. What Susskind predicted for “someday” is happening now.
The disruption is here
If AI can handle construction disputes—with complex facts, multiple parties, and technical evidence—what other legal work is it ready for?
Susskind’s warning was clear: lawyers who don’t adapt will be left behind.
The lawyers thriving in five years won’t be those who ignored AI, but those who learned to work with it.
Don’t get left behind
You can keep dismissing AI like lawyers did with Susskind’s predictions.
Or start learning to use AI before it becomes mandatory.
In my ChatGPT Lab, we meet weekly to help lawyers master AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. We focus on practical applications, not theory.
Early lawyers get the biggest advantage. Those who wait will scramble to catch up.
The AAA made their choice. What’s yours?
;-)
Ernie
P.S. Susskind predicted this moment. The question isn’t whether AI will transform legal work—it’s whether you’ll be ready.