This article by senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems, Hon. Margaret A. Brennan, (Ret.), was originally published at the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ (WBAI) 2025 Spring Newsletter. Good work, you are trying to resolve an employment dispute short of trial or hearing. At some point during your discussions, […]
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Bracketing is an underutilized technique counsel can apply when negotiating settlements in mediation. Counsel must understand what bracketing is, the mechanics of how it operates, the significance of the midpoint, and why it works. When used effectively, bracketing can bridge significant offer and demand gaps between parties and achieve settlement. In this article, Hon. F. […]
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Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process wherein disputing parties agree – often through an agreement to arbitrate – to resolve a dispute by empowering one or more neutral “arbitrators” to adjudicate it: that is, render a merits-based decision on the case like a judge, but in a typically simplified, bench trial-like format. Because […]
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ADR Systems has released its Commercial Settlement Report for December 2025, which features a sample of complex commercial cases settled by our mediators in the previous month. Review the report now.
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ADR Systems has released its Personal Injury Settlement Report for December 2025, which features a sample of unique personal injury cases settled by our mediators in the previous month. Review the report now. Case Types, Neutrals & Claims This month’s report features auto liability, product liability, sexual abuse and wrongful death cases settled by Hon. Larry G. […]
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After 31 years of providing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, we’re still not tired of the phrase, “It’s Settled.” That defines our job and what you expect from us. As we close out 2025, we’re noting highlights that defined the past year, the changes you can expect in 2026 and reaffirming the promise we’ve upheld […]
Read MoreADR Systems has released its Commercial Settlement Report for November 2025, which features a sample of complex commercial cases settled by our mediators in the previous month. Review the report now.
Read MoreADR Systems has released its Personal Injury Settlement Report for November 2025, which features a sample of unique personal injury cases settled by our mediators in the previous month. Review the report now. Case Types, Neutrals & Claims This month’s report features construction injury, personal injury and wrongful death cases settled by Hon. William J. Haddad, (Ret.), […]
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Hon. Ronald D. Sutter, (Ret.), senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems, recently discussed what happens after an answer has been filed in a personal injury lawsuit at the DuPage County Bar Association’s (DCBA) CLE event “Civil Trial Practice: At Issue, Now What?” on December 3rd. Judge Sutter was joined by Sean Driscoll, Driscoll Law Group, […]
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Thirty-one years ago, ADR Systems opened with a simple mission: to deliver closure through alternative dispute resolution using professionalism, care and respect. At that time, mediation and arbitration were not part of the life of a case. Today, they are an important consideration in almost every one.
Read MoreADR Systems has released its Commercial Settlement Report for October 2025, which features a sample of complex commercial cases settled by our mediators in the previous month. Review the report now.
Read MoreADR Systems has released its Personal Injury Settlement Report for October 2025, which features a sample of unique personal injury cases settled by our mediators in the previous month. Review the report now. Case Types, Neutrals & Claims This month’s report features medical malpractice, wrongful death, auto liability, premises liability and construction injury cases settled by Hon. […]
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ADR Systems is pleased to announce that Hon. Lisa R. Curcio, (Ret.) will be presenting at the ABA Forum on Construction Law’s “Construction Law Essentials” program in Chicago from November 13th-14th. Judge Curcio will present “Dispute Resolution, Remedies for Nonpayment and Statutes Impacting Construction,” a session that explores different forms of dispute resolution – including […]
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Mediation is not a one-size-fits-all process, and mediators often draw on two distinct styles to guide parties to resolution. Facilitative mediation centers on creating space for open dialogue, while evaluative mediation involves offering clear-eyed guidance and assessments. At ADR Systems, our mediators tailor their approach to the needs of each case, drawing from both styles […]
Read MoreMany parties desire to have their ‘day in court’ – their opportunity to present their claims or defenses before a judge or jury in pursuit of justice. The courtroom has long symbolized authority, accountability and public recognition. Yet litigation costs are mounting, the life of a case is lengthening and fewer cases – according to some […]
Read MoreOur law firm handles only medical malpractice cases—a type of case that is very difficult to settle except by mediators who understand the complex emotions involved and what is at risk when such cases go to trial. I trust ADR Systems' panel of mediators. They have settled cases I truly thought incapable of settlement. I highly recommend them.
William A. Cirignani, Esq.Cirignani, Heller & Harman
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