Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a variety of methods for ending conflicts and reaching agreements without engaging in litigation. Examples include mediation, arbitration, collaborative law, negotiation, and judicial settlement conferences. Several experienced attorneys at our firm have specialized training in these techniques and maintain active ADR practices as mediators, arbitrators, and collaborative lawyers.
Mediation involves a neutral Mediator facilitating communications between the disputants and assisting them in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. Mediation is confidential, and the parties typically have a greater role in determining the outcome of their case than they would in litigation.
Arbitration is a more formalized process where both sides offer statements, make arguments, and present evidence to a neutral Arbitrator who then issues a decision. Arbitration is private and can be either binding or non-binding.
Collaborative law is a private settlement process used in divorce and family disputes where the parties use specially trained attorneys and agree to provide all relevant information. It may involve other professionals such as child specialists, financial advisors, and mental health practitioners.
In addition to our ADR practitioners, Poole Brooke Plumlee PC attorneys in all of our departments have experience representing clients in ADR proceedings.
