In 1995, the Attorney General issued an Order to promote the broader use of ADR, calling for training for all civil Department attorneys and requiring each litigating component to publish an ADR policy statement in the Federal Register. Over the past four years, we have provided ADR training to more than 1600 Department of Justice lawyers, both in Washington and in all 94 United States Attorneys' offices around the country. Not surprisingly, use of ADR in the Justice Department has grown dramatically, almost quadrupling in four years. Litigation and other costs are lower. Future complaints are avoided as parties learn to communicate better with each other.
Parties are more satisfied with the problem-solving process and with the results.
Relations with outside parties are improved. The process leads to more creative solutions. Internal morale is improved. Turnover is lower. Parties comply better with their settlement agreements.