"ADR can be defined as encompassing all legally-permitted processes of dispute resolution other than litigation. While this definition (or something like it) is widely-used, ADR proponents may object to it on the ground that it privileges litigation by giving the impression that litigation is the normal or standard process of dispute resolution, while alternative processes are aberrant or deviant. In fact, litigation alone resolves relatively few disputes and alternative processes, especially negotiation, resolve far more disputes. Even disputes involving lawyers are resolved by negotiation far more often than by litigation."
Principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution by Stephen Ware
This guide was originally created by Professor Bill Dowling and law student, Brittany Pellerin.