Connecticut ADR

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section of the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) met this evening. A group of attorneys who are also mediators and arbitrators discussed a variety of topics. The one that grabbed my attention was the essential idea (often raised) that the actual people or organizations in a dispute may be poorly served by counsel  if counsel gives short shrift to the idea of resolving conflicts in some arena other than the courthouse. A significant portion of practicing attorneys are only vaguely familiar with the way ADR processes work and with the benefits to their clients of exploring ADR options. In some areas, it may be the clients —  not the attorneys — who will be the biggest advocates for the use of mediation and arbitration as the best methods of conflict resolution.