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In-Depth Knowledge of Facts, Law Needed to Avoid Settlement Traps

In-Depth Knowledge of Facts, Law Needed to Avoid Settlement Traps

March 17, 2026

Hon. Patrick J. Sherlock, (Ret.), senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems, recently published an article in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. His article, In-Depth Knowledge of Facts, Law Needed to Avoid Settlement Traps, explains five common negotiation mistakes and how skilled mediators can help parties avoid them to reach resolution. “Negotiation is often described […]

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Personal Injury Settlement Report: February 2026

Personal Injury Settlement Report: February 2026

March 9, 2026

ADR Systems has released its Personal Injury Settlement Report for February 2026, 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, construction accident, medical malpractice, premises liability and wrongful death cases settled by Hon. […]

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Personal Injury Settlement Report: January 2026

Personal Injury Settlement Report: January 2026

February 16, 2026

ADR Systems has released its Personal Injury Settlement Report for January 2026, 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, premises liability and medical malpractice cases settled by Hon. Larry G. […]

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How to Decide When to Mediate

How to Decide When to Mediate

February 9, 2026

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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NDAs in Employment Disputes Need Attention Early in Process

NDAs in Employment Disputes Need Attention Early in Process

February 6, 2026

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 in Mediation: A Practical Guide for Counsel

Bracketing in Mediation: A Practical Guide for Counsel

February 4, 2026

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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Personal Injury Settlement Report: December 2025

Personal Injury Settlement Report: December 2025

January 12, 2026

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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Personal Injury Settlement Report: November 2025

Personal Injury Settlement Report: November 2025

December 9, 2025

ADR 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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Personal Injury Settlement Report: October 2025

Personal Injury Settlement Report: October 2025

November 17, 2025

ADR 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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Facilitative vs. Evaluative: What Attorneys Need to Know About Styles of Mediation

Facilitative vs. Evaluative: What Attorneys Need to Know About Styles of Mediation

October 20, 2025

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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How ADR Gives Parties Their ‘Day in Court’

How ADR Gives Parties Their ‘Day in Court’

October 15, 2025

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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Personal Injury Settlement Report: September 2025

Personal Injury Settlement Report: September 2025

October 14, 2025

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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“Gray Divorces” with Hon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.) in Chicago Lawyer

“Gray Divorces” with Hon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.) in Chicago Lawyer

September 8, 2025

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 […]

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The Four Cs of Family Law Mediation

The Four Cs of Family Law Mediation

August 28, 2025

Family 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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”I recently drafted my first contract using an ADR Systems arbitration clause. The administrative fees at ADR Systems are a tiny fraction of what they are at other arbitration providers. Additionally, I like that ADR Systems offers fast track commercial arbitrations, and their panel is made up of former judges that litigators trust. I hope my transactional connections start including clause language from ADR Systems in their contracts!”

Alexander Loftus, Esq., PartnerLoftus & Eisenberg, Ltd.
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