Determining when to mediate can make all the difference in achieving a successful settlement. Most attorneys think that mediation is only effective after some discovery, but mediation can be effective during three key stages in the life of a case: pre-suit, after initial discovery and after more extensive discovery. This article provides insight into how […]
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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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This article was originally published at the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The edited version can be read here. 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, […]
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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. […]
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.), […]
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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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 MoreADR 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.
Read MoreI think I speak for everyone when I say that we could not have settled this case without the tremendous efforts of Judge Brown. He was so kind to my clients and he really helped them through this difficult process. His thoughtful approach and his incredible tenacity really made the difference in this case. We were very lucky to have him as our mediator and we look forward to working with Judge Brown again very soon.
Adria East Mossing, PartnerMossing & Navarre, LLC
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