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An arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association is accused of hearing a case that may have been a conflict-of-interest. As previously reported, a California resident lost an arbitration to Palms Place, LLC and was ordered by the arbitrator to pay nearly $90,000 in legal fees. The resident had made a deposit of $108,000 on a condominium that was to be built next to the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. The arbitration was executed through the American Arbitration Association which touts itself as providing “neutrals”; arbitrators with no conflicts or ethical concerns. As the California resident learned after-the-fact, his case was decided by an arbitrator whose neutrality is now being called into question. As of publication time, the American Arbitration Association had not responded to a request for comment. Thomas Ryan, a partner in the Lewis Roca Rothgerber law firm was the arbitrator on the case. At no time did he disclose his or his firm’s connections with Palms Place owner George Maloof and Palms Casino