“ADR” is short for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Lawyers, in particular, know the term as one that describes alternatives to litigation. ADR certainly includes arbitration and mediation, and may be used to include certain types of fact-finding, negotiation, facilitation and related processes for conflict resolution.
“DR” stands for Dispute Resolution. This term is an explicit recognition that the processes that were once “alternatives” are now much more likely to be the norm. Very few lawsuits are tried to conclusion with a verdict and judgment to end the case. The vast majority are concluded some other way: including forms of Dispute Resolution such as mediation and arbitration.
