Types of Alternative Dispute Resolution
At Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A., we can help you pursue a resolution of your claim or legal dispute through many different types of ADR processes, including:
- Informal negotiation: In an informal negotiation, the parties confer directly with one another to try to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
- Mediation: Mediation is a more formal type of settlement negotiation that is facilitated by a neutral third party known as a mediator. At a mediation, each party will present their case or their side of the story. The mediator can then identify areas of dispute as well as areas of agreement between the parties. The mediator can also work with each party to help them understand the strengths and weaknesses of their case. Most importantly, a mediator will suggest potential resolutions to disputed issues to help the parties develop a settlement.
- Neutral evaluation: A neutral evaluation is a type of mediation that occurs in cases involving highly technical facts. In a neutral evaluation, the parties will present their respective cases to an expert in the field that is the subject matter of the dispute. The expert will evaluate the relative strength and weakness of the parties’ cases. The parties may then use the expert’s opinions to help facilitate their settlement negotiations.
- Settlement conferences: In some types of litigation, the judge overseeing the case will offer or require the parties to participate in a settlement conference, which operates much like a mediation except that it is overseen by the judge or by another neutral referee from the court.
- Arbitration: Arguably the most formal type of alternative dispute resolution, arbitration is a trial-like proceeding, although the rules and procedures are less formal than used in court. In an arbitration, the parties present their respective arguments, evidence, and witnesses, which are heard and reviewed by an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators. The arbitrator or panel will then render a decision on each of the issues or claims in the case, consistent with the rules of the arbitration.
How a New Jersey Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer from Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. Can Help You Obtain a Fair Solution to Your Legal Dispute
Trial litigation can be an expensive and time-consuming way to reach a resolution in a legal claim or dispute. And by going to trial, you leave the outcome of your case in the hands of a judge or jury. With alternative dispute resolution, you can determine or shape the ultimate outcome in your case. Let a New Jersey alternative dispute resolution lawyer from Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A.walk you through your ADR options and explain how various forms of alternative dispute resolution can help you to quickly and effectively secure a fair and favorable resolution to your legal claim or dispute. Even though ADR is often far less formal than being in court or at trial, you can expect our attorneys to bring the same tenacious approach to pursuing the best outcome for you in settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or any other ADR forum.
Lombardi & Lombardi’s ADR Practice is Chaired by the Honorable Jamie D. Happas (Ret.)
Lawyers and litigants are relying more upon Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), including arbitration and mediation, to resolve their disagreements. These methods of conflict resolution, unlike traditional litigation, avoid prolonged in-court proceedings, provide significant cost-savings, and remove uncertainty.
The experience and skill of the mediator or arbitrator are crucial in achieving a successful ADR outcome. Fortunately, Lombardi & Lombardi’s ADR practice is chaired by the Honorable Jamie D. Happas (Ret.). Judge Happas brings twenty years of distinguished judicial service to her mediation and arbitration practice. During her judicial tenure, she served with distinction as the Middlesex Vicinage Civil Presiding Judge for eleven years and was also one of three designated Mass Tort Judges in the State of New Jersey. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she was a civil trial attorney handling all facets of civil litigation. She has gained a reputation amongst the bench and bar as being well prepared, trustworthy, and fair; attributes that have allowed her to settle thousands of cases.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation to Learn More about How a New Jersey Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help
When alternative dispute resolution might help you efficiently resolve your legal claim or dispute with another party, turn to Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. for a free initial consultation with a New Jersey alternative dispute resolution lawyer to discuss your ADR options and learn more about whether alternative dispute resolution might be right for your case and for helping you to secure a favorable outcome in your claim or legal dispute.
Contact us to discuss the details of your matter 732-906-1500. Let us use our expertise to help you favorably resolve your business or commercial dispute through ADR. Just complete our convenient online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation with the Honorable Jamie D. Happas (Ret.) today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alternative Dispute Resolution in New Jersey
No. In most cases, parties begin with the least expensive form of alternative dispute resolution, usually informal negotiation, and then they may engage in more formal types of ADR to try to reach a settlement or resolution in an attempt to avoid going to court in the dispute.
Yes. If parties reach a settlement in ADR, that settlement becomes binding once signed by the parties. The terms of that settlement may also be incorporated into a court order if the parties are already engaged in litigation. In addition, a resolution reached through arbitration (often called an arbitration award) is usually binding on the parties and can be enforced through a court order as well.
