Jennifer Reeves Joins American Arbitration Association as VP for AI Governance and Integration

Jennifer Reeves Joins American Arbitration Association as Vice President of Legal AI Governance

On May 26, 2026, the American Arbitration Association (AAA) announced the appointment of Jennifer Reeves as its new Vice President for Legal AI Governance and Integration Lead. This strategic move aims to enhance the organization's commitment to responsible use and governance of artificial intelligence across its diverse portfolio of products, systems, and internal tools.

A New Role Focused on Innovation and Governance

Jennifer Reeves, previously the Lead Innovation Counsel at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, will be taking the lead on establishing and advancing the AAA’s existing AI governance framework. In her new position, she will spearhead the organization’s enterprise-wide AI governance strategy while chairing the AAA's AI governance committee. This committee is tasked with overseeing and ensuring governance measures are appropriately integrated into the AI systems developed or utilized by the AAA.

Sasha Carbone, General Counsel for the AAA, emphasized that this appointment is a deliberate step towards cultivating responsible innovation in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Carbone noted that while many organizations formulate AI governance policies, practical application remains a challenge—highlighting the need for operational strategies to complement theoretical frameworks.

Bridging Gaps in AI Governance

In her role, Reeves will work on multiple initiatives, including advancing the AAA’s AI risk registry and aligning its practices with recognized regulatory standards such as NIST and the EU AI Act. By bridging legal, technical, and governance considerations, Reeves aims to make governance more accessible and actionable within the AAA. She articulated a clear vision for the job, stating, "Governance is not an after-the-fact exercise; it needs to be part of the design process from the beginning." This holistic approach to governance is crucial as AI-enabled tools evolve and proliferate within the organization.

Experience at the Intersection of Law and Innovation

Reeves brings a robust background in legal, innovation, and technology domains. At Quinn Emanuel, she led initiatives that focused on generative AI and innovation strategies, ranging from AI tool evaluation to attorney training. Her previous titles at firms such as Crowell & Moring, Morgan Lewis, and prominent social media company Meta, have equipped her with the necessary expertise to excel in her new position. Furthermore, Reeves was recently honored with the 2026 Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Monica Bay Women of Legal Tech Award, recognizing her contributions to the field of legal innovation.

The AAA's recent AI governance survey, titled "From Principles to Practice: A Benchmark Study in AI Governance," revealed that while a majority of organizations maintain AI governance policies, their effective implementation is lacking. This highlights the necessity for governance frameworks that are not only practical but also capable of sustaining responsible AI adoption as its application continues to grow.

The AAA's Commitment to ADR

Founded in 1926, the American Arbitration Association is the world's largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services. The organization is committed to transforming how legal disputes are managed, fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and innovation in its services. With the centennial celebration scheduled for 2026, the AAA aims to continue its legacy of developing better resolutions and opportunities for understanding in dispute resolution.

In conclusion, Jennifer Reeves' appointment as Vice President for Legal AI Governance at the American Arbitration Association signifies a pivotal advancement in their approach to integrating AI in a responsible manner. Her leadership is expected to enhance governance across the organization, leveraging both technical and legal insights to foster innovation that aligns with the AAA's mission.