The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR) recently conducted a survey of 126 U.S. corporate counsel and outside counsel. They were asked their opinion about alternative dispute resolution. Here are the results of the survey:
Rank of ADR methods (1 is lowest, 5 is highest)
| Method |
Corp. Counsel |
Law Firms |
Grand Total |
| Mediation |
4.00 |
3.89 |
3.95 |
| Early Case Assessment |
4.00 |
3.37 |
3.69 |
| Arbitration |
2.74 |
3.76 |
3.25 |
| Multi-step ADR Clauses |
2.84 |
3.28 |
3.06 |
| Internal ADR Training |
2.67 |
2.99 |
2.83 |
| ADR Training for Business Clients |
2.12 |
2.55 |
2.34 |
Benefits of Mediation (1=Low, 5=High)
| Reason |
Corp. Counsel |
Law Firms |
Grand Total |
| Cost Savings |
4.22 |
4.37 |
4.30 |
| Speed |
4.09 |
4.36 |
4.23 |
| Confidentiality |
3.82 |
4.22 |
4.02 |
| Reduced Discovery |
3.87 |
4.10 |
3.99 |
| Finality |
3.77 |
3.96 |
3.87 |
| Maintain Relationships |
3.61 |
4.00 |
3.81 |
| Improved Results |
3.70 |
3.92 |
3.81 |