Alternative dispute resolution offers clients a means of resolving problems without recourse to formal litigation. The benefits of ADR can be significant – decision-making stays close to the client, decision-making is rapid and certain, working relationships can be preserved, substantial legal fees can be avoided, and confidentiality is maintained.

► Before...

Although many parties will only turn to ADR once formal litigation proceedings have commenced, there is no reason to wait until then. At its most effective, ADR allows parties in dispute to avoid litigation completely, potentially without recourse to lawyers at all. Our Timeline shows that it is never too early to start active dispute management.

To make the most of the opportunities offered by ADR, clients need to be organised. They need to understand how the dispute has come about. They need to understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of their position. They need to understand what full-blown litigation will be like. Critically, whoever is attending the negotiation, mediation, expert determination or other ADR process needs to be well prepared and understand the goals and boundaries.

We support clients entering an ADR process. We provide an informal appraisal of the dispute. We help you to decide whether early settlement or protracted litigation will fit best with the needs of your business cycle. We provide advice on the strengths and weaknesses of your position. We help you to understand your decision-making spectrum and your best and worst alternatives to no agreement being reached. We prepare people for negotiations or mediation with a jargon-free review of the dispute and role-playing where appropriate.

Put simply, we help you to achieve the result that is best for you and your business.

► After...

Once you have done that, we can help you understand how the dispute came about. We can work together to put in place procedures and staff training to try to avoid similar situations arising in the future. We understand that clients want to avoid disputes as much as possible. By engaging Intelligent Litigation Management to undertake periodic reviews of your supplier management and contract management, we can help your business achieve that aim.