Have you ever had a case where the cost to litigate was likely to exceed the amount in dispute? When this occurs, the best approach is to work with opposing counsel to settle the case. However, these “smaller” cases may not be easy to resolve. To help lawyers and their clients dispose of these cases in an efficient and cost-effective manner, ADR Systems has developed the Commercial Alternative Fee Program for qualified commercial matters.

With the Alternative Fee Program, counsel may choose mediation or arbitration on a two-party matter where the claimed amount is approximately $100,000 or less. Each party pays $900, which includes up to three hours of the neutral’s time. This time can include pre-mediation document review, phone contact, session time, follow up or award writing time. If the neutral’s time exceeds three hours, parties are billed for any additional time at the neutral’s standard hourly rate. All administrative fees are waived. Sessions are held at ADR Systems’ dispute resolution center or by videoconference.

Since its recent inception, the program has received 28 referrals – 23 mediations and five arbitrations. Of the 23 mediations, 21 settled for an overall settlement rate of 91%. The average session time per case was under five hours, with many settling in three hours. Some types of cases resolved under the Alternative Fee Program include residential and commercial real estate disputes, mechanics lien, construction, contract, employment, fee disputes, property damage and subrogation.

The Alternative Fee Program is the result of a collaborative effort between ADR Systems and the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA). Members of the ISBA Construction Committee invited representatives from ADR Systems to brainstorm ideas on how to assist ISBA members and their clients with affordable dispute resolution services.

The neutrals involved in this program are highly qualified. ADR Systems maintains a panel list of full-time mediators and arbitrators who are skilled at resolving Alternative Fee Program matters.

For more information on the Commercial Alternative Fee Program, click here.

ADR Systems, It’s Settled.®