ADR explained

Mediation

A mediator assists the parties to identify issues involved in the dispute and helps the parties to develop options for resolution to consider alternative ways to reach a negotiated agreement. Many contracts now have mediation clauses which the parties are required to comply with before commencing court proceedings. The mediator affords all parties an opportunity to put forward their point of view and voice issues concerning them. The mediation takes place in private and the session is confidential.

Arbitration

An arbitrator provides a determinative ruling in the form of an award. The process and determination may be confidential if the parties wish. The arbitrator decides all or some of the issues in the dispute. Arbitration resembles a court process. For example, witnesses may be summoned to provide sworn testimony and other evidence may be taken. It is however usually less formal than the normal court process.The arbitrator may be appointed by the court or by agreement between the parties to the dispute. Arbitration takes place within an agreed time-scale, which ensures that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible.

Early neutral evaluation

This method is used very early in the resolution process. The evaluator considers the circumstances of the dispute and allows each of the parties an opportunity to present their case. The evaluator identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ positions and highlights the areas of agreement in the dispute. The evaluator then issues an assessment of the merits of the case, which the parties may agree will be binding or non-binding.

Expert determination

This process can occur at any time in a dispute and often occurs before or instead of litigation. It is a useful procedure saving court costs and shortening the length of hearings or trials. It is often provided for in contracts. Expert determiners may be chosen because of legal expertise and will use their legal knowledge to resolve the issues involved in the dispute. Expert determiners may decide all issues between the parties, or a specific issue chosen by the parties. The decision may be binding or non-binding.

Adjudication

This process is very similar to court proceedings but occurs outside the court. The adjudicator reviews evidence and submissions put forward by opposing parties or litigants and makes a determination as to the rights and obligations between the parties. This is most commonly used in the building and construction industry and some state governments have legislated to enable disputes over payment to be dealt with by adjudication. The adjudicator’s decision will generally be binding.

Conciliation

A conciliator can assist parties to a dispute in several ways, including identifying the issues in dispute, developing options, considering alternatives and working to reach an agreement. The conciliator may advise on or decide the process of conciliation, recommendations for terms of settlement, give expert advice on likely settlement terms, and actively encourage the participants to reach an agreement. The conciliator, while at times advising on the content of the dispute, does not make any determination.

Negotiation and alternative dispute resolution

Various forms of negotiation are used in alternative dispute resolution and an experienced neutral third person can be used to facilitate negotiations. In such circumstances, the person facilitating the negotiation does not usually advise on or determine issues being negotiate or the outcome of the process, but may advise on or determine the process of the negotiation.