New ARIAS U.S. Search System Finds Arbitrators with Specific Experience

ARIAS U.S., a not-for-profit corporation that seeks to improve the insurance and reinsurance arbitration process, has launched a new Internet search system that allows insurance and reinsurance companies and their outside counsel to identify arbitrators by 128 characteristics of professional experience, in addition to name, current company and location.

The new system searches the database of 152 ARIAS U.S. Certified Arbitrators, whose biographical profiles are brought up in response to the specifications. The user indicates the exact experience characteristics preferred by clicking on a series of check boxes. In response, he or she receives a list of those arbitrators who meet all of the requirements. Clicking on a name brings up a full background profile.

To compile the data to support the search, ARIAS had each of the arbitrators indicate their backgrounds relative to the 128 characteristics, which were then programmed into the system.

Development of the system parameters was carried out by the ARIAS U.S. Technology Committee. Chairman Larry Schiffer and committee member Jim Leatzow took the lead, working with groups of ARIAS U.S. experienced arbitrators. The construction was handled by Mountain Media of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., which performs all Internet work for the organization.

To explore the new system, visit the ARIAS Web site at www.arias-us.org.