Alternative Dispute Resolution

Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practice group has been actively involved in arbitration, mediation and acting as court appointed settlement mediators.  Businesses and individuals have become increasingly aware that litigation is costly and time-consuming and have sought methods to resolve their differences. ADR is a method of resolving a dispute short of a trial.  ADR is a practical, reasonable and economical approach to claims and will continue to grow as we move forward into the future.  Frederick J. Hegenbart is a panel member of the American Arbitration Association and J. Douglas Mann has acted as a neutral third-party mediator for many years and is a court appointed settlement judge. 

Facilitation

• Members of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group can serve as neutral moderators to encourage settlement between parties. Our attorneys seek to build on common grounds for discussion, and provide a knowledgeable third-party perspective to reach a fair resolution. 

Mediation

• After the parties to the dispute present their respective positions, one or more neutral mediators will submit non-binding settlement value. Moderators can provide an objective view of the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s position. This can be the basis for a formal resolution that is acceptable to both parties in the dispute.

Arbitration

• This is the most well-known and traditional alternative to courtroom litigation. One or more arbitrators, chosen by mutual consent, hear and decide the dispute. The process typically allows the parties to exchange far less information than would be revealed in the discovery process preceding a civil trial. The decision in an arbitrated case is legally binding.