Breaking Barriers: Diversity on Arbitration Panels

In this special on-the-road episode of CCA Arbitration Talk, recorded at the American Arbitration Association Neutrals Conference in Dallas, Texas, host Rich Silberberg explores a timely and vital topic: diversity on arbitration panels.

Joining him are two distinguished guests:

• Hon. Shira Scheindlin, former U.S. District Judge and now full-time arbitrator and mediator
• L. Tyrone Holt, nationally recognized arbitrator, CCA Past President and leader of CCA Associates Mentorship Program

Together, they tackle pressing questions, including:

• What does “diversity” mean in the context of selecting arbitrators?
• Why do diverse arbitration panels matter to parties, arbitral institutions, and the credibility of the process?
• How do unconscious bias and entrenched perceptions influence arbitrator selection?
• What can arbitral institutions, experienced arbitrators, and law firms do to create more inclusive arbitration panels?
• How is the CCA mentoring initiative helping to grow a more diverse generation of arbitrators?

Our distinguished guests also share personal reflections on their journeys into ADR and offer valuable advice for aspiring arbitrators—especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Whether you are a legal professional, ADR user, or advocate for inclusion in the legal field, this candid and inspiring conversation will inform and challenge your thinking about the future of arbitration.

📌 Mentioned in This Episode:

• College of Commercial Arbitrators: www.ccarbitrators.org
• CCA Guide to Best Practices for Commercial Arbitrators
• CCA Associates Mentorship Program

📢 Subscribe to CCA Arbitration Talk wherever you get your podcasts and join us for more conversations that will shape the future of commercial arbitration.