It can even be limitedscope litigation. ADR can occur anywhere between the time the parties' realize a dispute exists and the time that the winning party is satisfied or the loser has exhausted appeals. Parties can design whatever process they mutually desire. There is no cookie cutter. What works in one situation may fail in another.
Attorneys are of value to clients because they know the rules.
ADR gives attorneys the additional advantage of being able to make rules that maximize opportunity for success in light of party relationships, the internal dynamics of each party, and the nature of the dispute, including the fact issues. Broad types of ADR beg for tailoring. Even non-facilitated discussions can be tailored. They may involve the exchange of information on a confidential or nonconfidential basis. In mediation, neutrals may be passive or can beat up parties in trying almost literally to hammer out a resolution.