A select group of attorneys comprise our Mediation and Arbitration Neutrals Group. Impartial and unbiased, they provide an alternative to traditional litigation. By serving as the neutral, the mediator or arbitrator, they allow the opportunity for the parties, with the input of their attorneys, to determine the resolution of a dispute. Mediation and arbitration provide party-friendly, cost-effective, and confidential dispute resolution.
Mediation
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party—the mediator—facilitates the parties to a dispute in negotiating a voluntary resolution of the dispute. Mediation is different from other forms of dispute resolution in that the parties participate voluntarily, so the mediator has no authority to mandate a decision. The decision-making authority is given to the parties to the dispute, making this form of ADR the most popular form of dispute resolution outside the courtroom. We have successfully resolved thousands of disputes through the mediation process.
Arbitration
Arbitration is the submission of a dispute to one or more impartial persons for a final and binding decision, typically referred to as an “award.” Awards are made in written decisions that generally are binding on the parties to the dispute. We have served as arbitrators in hundreds of disputes.
The Group has experience resolving a full spectrum of civil matters including, but not limited to, disputes involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims, commercial and business disputes, employment disputes (including FLSA collective actions, discrimination and wrongful termination claims), environmental disputes, financial and banking disputes, FELA claims, insurance and coverage disputes, intellectual property disputes, professional negligence claims, product liability actions, shareholder suits and derivative actions, toxic tort actions, etc.
Mediation and arbitration provide significant advantages to the parties over traditional litigation:
- Informal – ADR processes are informal and flexible
- Confidential – ADR processes are confidential
- Quick and cost-effective – Disputes are resolved more quickly and at a lower cost to the parties than traditional litigation