Alternative Dispute Resolution

A good lawyer always prepares the case as if it will be tried in court, but an experienced lawyer often knows at the outset or during the case whether a resolution method other than trial should be considered. Non-binding mediation and binding arbitration are two ways of resolving disputes that often can save the parties time, money and emotional energy. In non-binding meditation, the parties agree to retain a neutral, such as a retired judge or lawyer, to hear their respective arguments and to help the parties negotiate a settlement. In binding arbitration, the neutral will hear the evidence and render a final decision, which the parties have agreed to accept. Given that the courts today are overburdened and short on resources and personnel, ADR can be the right path to resolution.