What is ADR?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) is a broad descriptor of a complex and varied set of alternatives to the rights-based traditional system of laws which pits disputants’ legally interpreted and defined positions in a contest that assumes (for only one side) a successful outcome at trial. This adversarial approach assumes a zero-sum gain, in other words, winners and losers. ADR provides opportunities in even the unlikeliest scenarios for all parties to win and experience gains. All ADR processes provide the real opportunity for confidentiality and privacy in the resolution process and the outcome of disputes that is not often available under traditional rights-based litigation in the court system. There are three major types of ADR: Mediation, Arbitration, and Peacemaking.