Chapter 3
Alternative Dispute Resolution
I. What Is The Best Method To Resolve A Dispute?
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR
Procedures such as negotiations, mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes in a more efficient and effective manner
Speedier
Less expensive
Use of an expert as the decision maker
Proceedings are confidential
Decisions are final and not appealable
Less formal
ADR
does not refer to any one type of procedure. ADR refers to a multitude of choices individuals have in resolving disputes outside the court
II. Negotiation
Distributive Negotiation
Integrative Negotiation
Negotiation Stages
Negotiation
When parties voluntarily work out their differences and reach an acceptable solution to the dispute in a peaceful manner
INTEREST-BASED NEGOTIATION focuses, not on positions, but rather on the underlying interests or needs
Distributive Negotiation
Win or Lose
When parties are stuck on their positions, they are probably involved in a distributive negotiation
B. Integrative Negotiation
Win / Win
Parties participate in joint problem solving
When the parties are concerned about the relationship between them, integrative negotiation works best
C. Negotiation Stages
Preparation
Determine goals
Determine goals of other party
Identify arguments for and against yourself
Identify interests and needs of both parties
“Stand in their shoes”
Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA)
2. Actual Negotiations
Try to focus on interests, NOT positions
Focus on needs, NOT wants
Don’t personalize the situation
Don’t interrupt
Listen and repeat what you heard
Don’t dwell on disagreements
Keep your cool, don’t let anger rule
Silence is golden
3. Conclusion of Negotiations
Remember your BATNA
Don’t “burn any bridges”
Good options, combined with deadlines, often create the energy needed to reach a settlement
Review and clarify the agreement, then sign it
III. Mediation
Judicial Mediation
Private Mediation
Advantages of Mediation
Mediator
Process of Mediation
A. Judicial Mediation
Court-Ordered
Judges in participating counties may order the parties to undertake mediation
Parties may still maintain the right to proceed with litigation
B. Private Mediation
Occurs when the parties contractually agree to use mediation as a method of resolving their dispute
C. Advantages of Mediation
Most disputes settle prior to litigation
Reduces both time and costs
Neutral 3rd Party provides a means of focusing on the real issues of the dispute
Parties have an active role in reaching the settlement of the dispute
D. Mediator
Facilitates the negotiations between the parties
Is a neutral 3rd party
When mediators meet individually with each party in a caucus, it is called SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY
Mediator must obtain information from both parties to gain success
No special qualifications or requirements to become a mediator
E. Process of Mediation
Stage 1 – Mediation Process Started
Stage 2 – Opening Session
Stage 3 – Identify Interests and Needs
Stage 4 – Mediated Negotiations
Stage 5 - Conclusion
IV. Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)
ENE
Some courts have begun using an ADR technique referred to as early neutral evaluation
It occurs when a judge assigns an evaluator to meet with the parties already involved in a lawsuit
The evaluator will review the case and inform each party how he “sees” the case and how it will likely play out in court
The evaluator attempts to get the parties to reach a settlement and writes an evaluation
V. Mini-Trials
A Mini-Trial
is a nonbinding ADR technique that closely resembles a court trial
Parties select a neutral 3rd party for advisement
Parties will agree on the procedures to follow
Procedures will address what type of “discovery” will be permitted
Decision makers from each side attend the mini-trial
Goal is, upon hearing the facts for themselves, the decision makers will be more inclined at that time to reach a settlement to the dispute
VI. Summary Jury Trial
In a Summary Jury Trial…
the parties to a dispute agree to present a shortened case presentation to a mock jury
Arbitration
(Most Used Method)
Judicial Arbitration
Private Arbitration
Starting the Arbitration
Selecting the Arbitrator
Discovery
Final Decision
Arbitration
Most well known method of ADR techniques
Binding or Non-Binding
Both California and Federal Government have passed legislation favoring arbitration
Online ADR is changing traditional arbitration process
A. Judicial Arbitration
(Court-Annexed)
Court orders the case to arbitration
Non-Binding
Either party may ask for a TRIAL DE NOVO
There are costly risks in not accepting the arbitrator’s award
B. Private Arbitration
The duty to arbitrate dispute arises from either statutory obligation, or through a contract entered into between the parties
Giving up the right to litigate a dispute is a serious matter and arbitration clauses should be knowingly executed
The arbitration clause establishes the scope of the arbitration and the arbitrator’s powers
C. Starting the Arbitration
A SELF-EXECUTING ARBITRATION clause will provide a method for selecting the arbitrator, procedures for how the arbitration will be conducted, and a provision for continuing the arbitration if one party refuses to proceed
A notice is sent to the other party which contains what the dispute is about, the amount of damages, and what remedy is being sought.
A response is due within 10 days of service in the state, and within 30 days if served outside the state.
D. Selecting the Arbitrator
One advantage of arbitration is the ability of the parties to select the arbitrator
A STRIKE LIST from an association is a list of persons from the panel of neutrals sent to each party
To ensure that the arbitrator is neutral, the person selected must disclose information that might case bias in favor of one of the parties [CCP§1281.9]
The arbitrator can issue subpoenas to ensure witnesses will attend
E. Discovery (limited)
Discovery (seeking facts) is normally limited in arbitration
Limited to claims involving personal injury unless the arbitration expressly provides for it [CCP§ 1283.05, 1283.1]
Example: (from CAR form Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions)
F. Final Decision
The arbitrator’s decision is called an AWARD
Where the award is binding, it is considered a final judgment in the dispute
In most cases, the decision of the arbitrator is final
Awards can be vacated if certain violations/corruptions/errors occurred
G. Online Arbitration
Emails, videoconferencing, and mobile devices can be used for online arbitration
Arbitration agreements and proceedings can be done in an online setting
VIII. Private Judging
Reference
Temporary Judging
A. Reference
A REFERENCE is like arbitration, except the decision is appealable through the court system
A GENERAL REFERENCE is where the referee tries any and all issues of the dispute
A SPECIAL REFERENCE is where the referee addresses a specific question of fact
The only requirement for a person to serve as a referee is that the person be a resident of the county where the court is located [CCP§ 640]
B. Temporary Judging
The California Constitution in article VI, section 21 provides:
On stipulation of the parties litigant the court may order a cause to be tried by a temporary judge who is a member of the State Bar, sworn and empowered to act until final determination of the cause
The decision rendered by the temporary judge is final and carries the same weight as if made by a permanent judge
A decision issued by a temporary judge is subject to appeal based on errors of fact or law
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