CHANGES IN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS
COVID-19 has undeniably changed the way most industries function, and when coupled with emerging technologies, backlogged courts, the rising expense of litigation, these factors have helped to establish alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as an efficient and effective strategy to settling legal conflicts without dragging out cases in court.
As ADR grows in the United States, mediators and arbitrators are developing new ADR techniques and utilizing specialized tools to tackle complex cases, and as the industry expands, legal professionals are in need of quality office space to deliver the services clients want.
Here’s a look at a few major trends that are shaping the ADR industry.
THE ADR TRENDS CHANGING THE INDUSTRY
#➊: ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION FLOURISHING.
While online dispute resolution (ODR) has generally had a solid foothold in the ADR industry, COVID-19 has turned ODR into the new norm for all kinds of disputes, both civil and commercial. ADR professionals are shifting to the virtual world and requiring the tech to support their practices.
Online dispute resolution has become essential for mediators, arbitrators, and law firms who engage in ADR, and this trend is certain to continue beyond the pandemic.
#➋: A DEVELOPING DEMAND FOR FAMILY & PERSONAL INJURY ADR.
With COVID-19 greatly restricting access to courthouses and the number of time-sensitive claims continuing to grow–including family disputes, personal injury cases, and insurance coverage–ADR has seen a meaningful uptick in these areas of law.
Because these types of legal disputes are so delicate and require timely resolution, many are seeking the support of mediators and arbitrators to resolve these issues faster and at a lower cost.
#➌: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & MACHINE LEARNING IN ADR.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are having a real impact on ODR, resulting in the industry integrating the internet even more so into its practices. These tools are leading to ODR platforms handling hundreds of millions of disputes every year, even allowing for mediators and arbitrators to function outside of specific jurisdictions and resolve cross-border disputes.
Online dispute resolution has become critical in the business world, especially in international business where parties in different countries can participate in the resolution process, regardless of where they are located at.
Of course, the use of these technologies requires mediators to have access to quality internet services and other tools.
#➍: COURTS ARE EMBRACING ADR
Because of an overwhelming backlog of cases, ADR has begun to play a big role in case management. Many courts and judges have begun to accept the value of ADR, and there has been a meaningful increase in court-mandated mediation.
This embracing of ADR has led to several jurisdictions developing mediation divisions within the court systems, using dedicated judges to act as mediators in order to efficiently resolve disputes or narrow down issues.
COBALT EXECUTIVES SUITES IN MCALLEN:
OFFICES AVAILABLE FOR MEDIATORS
Mediators and arbitrators in the Rio Grande Valley are in need of quality offices in order to deliver exceptional services, and Cobalt Executives Suites is the perfect solution.
Ideally located in North McAllen, miles away from the Hidalgo County Courthouse, in close proximity to major thoroughfares, the region’s premier medical corridor, as well as numerous businesses and other law offices, Cobalt Executive Suites offers a bevy of benefits that can help mediators develop a sold presence in South Texas.
Offering multiple offices, a conference room with the tech needed to support mediation and arbitration, as well as access to secure and
high-speed internet, opportunities to network with numerous legal professionals, and other amenities, Cobalt Executive Suites is the place for productivity–all at an excellent price point.
Now’s the time for legal professionals to develop their alternative dispute resolution services, and we can help!