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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Successful arbitration preparation relies on a clear understanding of the process and its best practices. To explore the finer points of arbitration preparation, we sat down with Hon. Kay M. Hanlon, (Ret.) and Hon. Stuart A. Nudelman, (Ret.), senior mediators and arbitrators at ADR Systems. Together, Judges Hanlon and Nudelman bring more than 65 years of combined […]
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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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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 […]
Read MoreHon. 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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Hon. Brigid M. McGrath, (Ret.), senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems, was recently featured as a panelist at the Attorneys’ Liability Assurance Society’s (ALAS) Annual General Meeting, held at the Greenbrier in While Sulphur Springs, West Virginia on June 12, 2025.
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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.
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While substantially all disputes settle after a first mediation session at ADR Systems, a handful do not. This is often because of the parties’ overestimations and underestimations of the case, the complexity of the issues and the need for more time.
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Hon. Mitchell L. Hoffman, (Ret.), senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems, recently published an article in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. His article, Mediating Business Dissolutions Has Advantages Over Litigation, argues that litigating these disputes often inflicts crippling costs and inefficiencies on businesses.
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Counsel and their clients can do a lot to help their dispute settle sooner in mediation, ideally avoiding second or third sessions and the concomitant additional costs. Namely, they can enter the mediation process with an understanding of mediation mechanics, negotiate to create value for both sides, and engage in pre-mediation contact.
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To better showcase the full spectrum of settlements our neutrals achieve every month, ADR Systems has launched our new, monthly Personal Injury Settlement Report. It is like our popular Commercial Settlement Report, which we have distributed since 2022. Review the new report now.
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Wondering if you should share your mediation submissions with the other side in commercial disputes? Read on. This article argues that both science and common sense support it when appropriate.
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Settlement agreements are deals. The parties are buyers and sellers, and the settlement is the transaction. What attorneys don’t realize is that a deal can be a “joint-value-creating exchange,”[1] a process that can give all sides what they want – or enough of it – to close the deal.
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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