We strongly encourage alternative dispute resolution methods that can often resolve commercial conflicts faster and less expensively than going to court.

Some options we frequently advise exploring include direct negotiation between the parties to reach a settlement agreement, with our lawyers representing you in these negotiations. Mediation is another alternative, using a neutral third-party facilitator to foster constructive dialogue and compromise.

Arbitration is also an option, where a private arbitrator essentially acts as a judge and issues a binding decision. Early neutral evaluation can provide a non-binding expert opinion on the dispute to help move things forward. There are also industry-specific resolution processes, like construction adjudication. The right option depends on factors like the relationship between parties, the complexity of the dispute, and overarching goals.

Our experienced commercial litigation team can guide you in assessing alternatives to make fully informed choices. While litigation is always a last resort if other methods fail, we make every effort to resolve matters through more efficient means first.