New Service to Rate Arbitrators

An influential non-profit that promotes alternative dispute resolution is partnering with a little-known small company to promote an arbitrator rating service.

The ratings, which will be made anonymously by lawyers who have used arbitrators listed on a directory maintained by Positively Neutral, will be available to members of International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution early next year, reports Corporate Counsel.

The arbitrators are expected to be charged a small fee to participate in the program, but the ratings will be free to CPR members.

P.D. Villarreal, who serves as associate general counsel at Schering-Plough Corporation USA and is a member of CPR's board of directors, says the group hopes the ratings will be, for those seeking an arbitrator, what the Martindale-Hubbell directory is to those looking for an attorney.

"It's another piece of information," Villarreal tells the legal publication, adding "And we crave that."