The overriding purpose of ADR is to help disputing parties achieve a mutually agreeable resolution, while avoiding a protracted court battle. ADR operates outside the conventional court system, so it is inherently prompt, flexible and economical. ADR also:

• Limits or eliminates expert witness expense
• Allows greater fund allocation toward settlement, and less toward legal expense (if appropriate)
• Identifies, limits and potentially resolves key issues
• Generates good will on both sides
• Ensures fairness through mutual selection of neutral
• Creates shared peace-of-mind
• Delivers binding resolutions
• Ensures confidentiality

Arbitration at Advocate’s Forum is overseen by an impartial person who is mutually accepted by all parties. The arbitrator hears both parties’ evidence, then delivers a binding judgment in a timely fashion. Disputants who bring their case to the Advocate’s Forum may select from a large number of highly respected lawyers and former jurists who are available to arbitrate.

Mediation at Advocate’s Forum consists of negotiation sessions guided by a neutral third party. The skilled mediator helps clarify issues, finds common ground, maintains focus and leads everyone toward an agreeable outcome. Again, both parties must agree on the mediator, who serves more as a facilitator than a judge. The settlement decision remains completely at the discretion of the participants, as the process provides self-determination by and for the disputants.