National Academy of Arbitrators Presents
Becoming A Labor Arbitrator
The National Academy of Arbitrators is the preeminent organization of labor and employment arbitrators, serving members in the U.S. and Canada since 1947. The course being presented is geared toward labor-management practitioners with substantial experience in labor relations (pursuant to collective bargaining) who wish to become labor arbitrators. The course can also enhance the practice and skills of current arbitrators.
Lessons Include:
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- History and Law of Labor Arbitration
- Ethics
- Pre-hearing Issues
- Conducting the Hearing
- Opening Statements and Other Procedural Matters
- Evidence Issues/Burdens of Proof
- Discipline and Discharge
- Contract Interpretation
- Post-hearing Briefs/Closing Arguments
- Remedies
- Opinion and Award Writing
- Practice Building
- Mock Arbitration
Course Format and Application:
The course begins with a virtual orientation day, followed by 4 weeks of asynchronous online study and discussion, during which participants can complete assignments after watching videos and reading course materials; you will meet deadlines on your own time schedule, usually involving a few hours of work each week. Live online classes will take place after the asynchronous portion usually 5 days for 4-6 hours each session.
Course Prerequisites:
This course requires substantial experience in union-management relations.
A biography or resume is required. Please submit a clear bio or resume detailing your labor relations experience under collective bargaining agreements, including roles, responsibilities, and dates held, to balanaarb@gmail.com. Accepted applicants will receive a letter of admission with registration and payment instructions.
Upcoming Course Dates:
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- October 6, 2026 – Orientation Meeting 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
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- October 6, 2026 – November 6, 2026 – Asynchronous Study and Discussion
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- November 9-13, 2026: Becoming A Labor Arbitrator (BALA)
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- Live Webinar 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Eastern) daily
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- Course registration: $3,000
Instructors:
Danielle L. Hargrove is a USAF veteran, former JAG and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, and has a full-time neutral practice, as a mediator and arbitrator. Danielle is a Past President of the Association of Attorney Mediators, a former adjunct professor with the Texas A&M School Aggie Dispute Resolution Program, and is a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators and National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. She is on the neutral rosters of the AAA, FMCS, NMB, FINRA, and the Labor Relations connection. She also serves on several permanent arbitrator panels. She is active in the North Texas Salon of the Southwest Rockies Region of the National Academy of Arbitrators.
Howell Lankford has been a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators since 1990 and has been the Academy’s Membership Chair, part of the Membership Policy Committee, and a member of the Board of Governors. He is currently on the Academy’s ethics committee and is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. He was on the editorial staff of the most recent editions of How Arbitration Works and of Interest Arbitration (3rd Ed., Will Aitchison, et al, LRIS 1922). He has taught labor arbitration and arbitration advocacy for over 30 years.
Arthur Pearlstein is an arbitrator and mediator who has an extensive background in labor relations as an attorney, conflict resolution specialist, mediator, arbitrator, and law professor. He is a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators and a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, currently serveing as President of the Virginia Chapter of LERA. For over 10 years, Arthur headed the Office of Labor Arbitration at the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service. Arthur also served FMCS previously as a senior mediator and General Counsel. Arthur spent seven years as Professor of Law and inaugural director of the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University in Omaha. He has trained over 1,000 labor arbitrators and advocates.
Note:
We believe that the certificate issued by the NAA upon completion of the course requirements will receive wide recognition by parties and entities operating arbitration rosters, including potential preferential consideration for inclusion on arbitration rosters and permanent panels. We are actively working toward that end. Additionally, for those who complete the course, the Academy is offering a shadowing program where participants can arrange to shadow one or two NAA arbitrators in three cases and write a shadow award in each for full review and feedback by the arbitrator. This provides additional training in analysis and a few writing samples and may be helpful in obtaining admission to some of the Rosters—the Academy strongly encourages participation in the program.
Please note: Nothing herein is intended to imply any endorsement by the federal government or the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service.
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IF YOU ARE INTERESTED or HAVE QUESTIONS Please reach out directly to course administrator, Valerie Harragin, at balanaarb@gmail.com. Submitting Materials for Consideration? |