Legal malpractice mediation is defined as a structured negotiation in which a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between claimants, defendant-attorneys, legal counsel for both and, when applicable, insurance representatives to reach a mutually agreeable resolution to a dispute, which is called a settlement agreement. Unlike litigation, mediation fosters open communication and collaboration, helping parties find solutions that address legal, financial and emotional concerns. Parties control the outcome of the negotiation process, and their settlement agreement is enforceable in court, acting as a contract.

Our panel of retired judges and seasoned attorneys have settled numerous legal malpractice disputes throughout the multiple decades that ADR Systems has been in business. These have included:

• A dispute in which the plaintiff claimed that the defendant-attorney negligently failed to follow standard practices for communicating bank instructions for a transaction, allegedly resulting in fraudsters intercepting said instructions and transaction

• A dispute involving claims that a previously filed lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice after the handling attorney’s death and their firm’s alleged failure to assign new counsel

• A dispute in which the plaintiff claimed that the attorney engaged to represent him in his employment restructuring and severance package with a financial services firm failed to adequately protect him in the restructuring

Parties to a legal malpractice dispute enjoy various advantages when they mediate it at ADR Systems.

Faster Resolutions: Mediation can resolve disputes in weeks or months rather than years, reducing the time burden on plaintiffs and defendants

Cost Savings: Avoiding lengthy court battles saves money otherwise spent on legal fees, expert witness costs and administrative expenses.

Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, mediation is confidential, protecting reputations and sensitive information.

Reduced Stress: Mediation fosters a collaborative rather than adversarial atmosphere, reducing emotional strain for all involved.

Greater Control: Mediation removes the uncertainty and risk associated with litigation, where outcomes can be all-or-nothing; both parties have a say in the outcome of the case rather than leaving the decision in the hands of a judge or jury.

Preserved Relationships: Open dialogue allows claimants and defendants to maintain professional, civil relationships when possible.

Experienced Neutrals: ADR Systems’ panel of mediators consists of retired judges and seasoned attorneys with decades of hands-on knowledge of the disputes before them and an ardent passion for resolving them.

Mediation is a practical solution for many legal malpractice disputes. It is particularly beneficial when parties seek a resolution that prioritizes confidentiality, expediency and cost-effectiveness.

If you are representing clients involved in a legal malpractice dispute and want to pursue mediation as an alternative to litigation, explore our Find A Neutral page to review the bios of mediators with experience mediating legal malpractice disputes.

Submit your legal malpractice case through our Neutral Availability Form or Contact Form.