The Association of Attorney-Mediators ("AAM") was originally founded by the late Steve Brutsché in 1989, and incorporated as a non-profit in 1991.

The first AAM members were a self selected group of attorneys who had a minimum tenure in the practice of law, who had completed a training course consisting of instruction and observation of experienced mediators, who had conducted required pro bono mediations, and whose background had been carefully screened.  These same requirements remained in place for subsequent years and now are in place for new AAM members, as well as minimum annual continuing education and experience requirements for all members to maintain proficiency and quality.

AAM's creation was the result of the inception of mediation by professional attorney-mediators in Texas, where the first two areas to embrace the process were Dallas and Houston.  Therefore, in order to understand AAM's origin, the birth of mediation by private attorney-mediators must be included.  The practice and use of mediation as we know it today really began in Dallas in 1989, followed by Houston in 1990.  Along with Steve Brutsché, the selfless efforts of a handful of individuals, judges, and the Dallas Bar Association resulted in the introduction of mediation for the new mediators to join and to preserve and protect the movement.

- Anthony Atwell, Dallas, Texas