Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") processes are alternative methods of helping people resolve legal problems instead of going to court.
ADR involves an independent third person, called a "neutral," who tries to help resolve or narrow the areas of conflict. MAC's ADR professionals are recognized for their ability to assist parties wishing to resolve their disputes outside of the court system. They work as Arbitrators, Mediators and Judges.
Arbitration is a process whereby a neutral third person, called an Arbitrator, acts as a privately paid judge and considers the facts and arguments presented by the parties and renders a decision. Arbitration is an adversarial procedure which is similar to a trial, but it takes place in a conference room instead of a courtroom. It is usually binding with very few grounds of appeal. Parties to business and personal injury suits often hire MAC Arbitrators to decide their disputes, as Arbitration is often faster and less expensive than taking the matter to court.
Mediation is a process whereby a neutral third person, called a Mediator, uses specially-acquired skills to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. Through Mediation, the parties to a dispute decide what is best for their own interests with the help of a Mediator. It is an informal and non-adversarial process of helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement. MAC's Mediators are hired by parties in dispute who are not able to settle their disputes on their own through negotiation, but wish to have their dispute resolved without going to court. MAC's Mediators meet with the parties, and through counsel and exploring alternatives, help the parties craft a mutually-beneficial resolution.
MAC's skilled litigators are so respected that they are often called on to act as a substitute for our local elected Judges, or as short trial judges. Sitting as a Judge not only indicates a level of respect given to the attorney by the community and the other Judges, but the experience provides our attorneys with unique perspective which helps them better act as advocates the next time they are in front of a Judge.
In addition to MAC's Arbitrators, Mediators, and part-time Judges, MAC's attorneys are also well versed in the special advocacy needed to help their clients achieve the best result when a client's dispute is being arbitrated or mediated.
