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 […]
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Many 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 […]
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ADR Systems has released its Personal Injury Settlement Report for September 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 accident, Federal Employers Liability Act, medical malpractice, nursing home and wrongful death cases settled […]
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ADR Systems is proud to share that our senior mediator and arbitrator, Hon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.), was recently featured in the August/September 2025 issue of Chicago Lawyer. The article, “Across the Table,” explores couples and family business mediations and includes Judge Berger’s insights into the growing trend of “gray divorces” — cases in which […]
Read MoreFamily law mediation is advantageous to parties for many reasons. When explaining the benefits of mediation, Hon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.), senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems, focuses on the “four Cs” of family law mediation: cost-effectiveness, confidentiality, control and creativity. Cost-effectiveness The cost of family law litigation usually starts at $20,000 and, for […]
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ADR Systems is pleased to welcome Hon. Patrick J. Sherlock, (Ret.) to our panel of senior mediators and arbitrators. Judge Sherlock served for 18 years in the Circuit Court of Cook County, most recently as the Supervising Judge of the Commercial Calendar Section and the Mandatory Arbitration Program. He previously oversaw the Asbestos Docket and […]
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Mediation and arbitration are well-known ADR processes. Less well-known is their cousin, neutral evaluation, which offers parties some of the best advantages of both. In a private, non-binding setting, a well-qualified neutral evaluator can provide one or multiple disputing parties with an objective opinion of the case, clarify complicated issues of fact and law and […]
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ADR Systems’ Personal Injury Settlement Program allows insurance providers to mediate 10 to 15 cases in a single day at a reduced rate for all parties. Our seasoned mediators settle substantially all of our mediated cases, and they can facilitate mediations for this program both in person and via remote videoconferencing options. For cases that […]
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The civil jury trial is essential to our legal system. The Constitution’s Seventh Amendment and Article 1, Section 13 of the Illinois Constitution guarantee access to it as a right. But its use is declining.
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A well-prepared mediation submission can set the stage for a productive negotiation. Unlike a trial brief, which focuses on winning legal arguments, a mediation submission should present a concise, compelling story of the dispute in clear, simple language.
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Hon. Margaret A. Brennan, (Ret.), senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems, recently published an article in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ (WBAI) 2025 Spring Newsletter.
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ADR Systems is proud to announce the launch of its Co-Mediation Program, a new offering designed to meet the demands of complex, high-value and multi-party disputes. This program brings together two seasoned mediators to jointly and economically resolve the most complicated cases, offering clients a smarter, more strategic path to settlement.
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Most mediations resolve in a single session, but a handful do not. Some cases have pending motions, need more time for discovery or for the parties to reflect.
Read MoreADR Systems is pleased to announce the release of Spanish-language versions of our personal injury mediation and arbitration sample agreements along with our commercial mediation sample agreement. This development reflects our ongoing commitment to making dispute resolution more accessible for the clients and communities we serve.
Read MoreHon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.), senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems, will be featured in an upcoming legal program on family law mediation for survivors of domestic abuse.
Read MoreI was very satisfied with ADR Systems' service, and I will be happy to recommend them to colleagues.
Chris Doscotch, Esq.Law Office of Chris Doscotch, LLC
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