ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION HOME » LITIGATION AND TRIAL SERVICES » ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION OVERVIEW Our alternative dispute resolution attorneys offer parties the opportunity to resolve cases without entering a courtroom. Our award-winning mediators and arbitrators are highly effective at helping parties achieve equitable and cost-effective solutions to their disputes. Facilitative Mediation Process The facilitative mediation process involves parties meeting to explore resolution of their dispute. The process is directed by a trained mediator whose job it is to “facilitate” the discussions; to explore either jointly or separately the strengths and weaknesses of the respective positions; and to help create a path that leads to a win/win solution. Facilitative mediation offers parties several advantages to traditional litigation. It can save time and money. It can preserve relationships that might otherwise be harmed by bitter litigation. Even if it does not result in a complete resolution of the dispute, the mediation process can narrow the issues in contention. Mediation is confidential and cannot later become the basis for positions in litigation. These and other benefits explain why some large corporations now require their counsel to explore the potential for facilitative mediation and other ADR methods from the inception of the case. Mediation is now available in every circuit court in the State of Michigan. Smith Haughey’s formally trained and experienced mediators are adept at the art of facilitating settlements, either from the perspective of a litigant, the role of facilitative mediator, or both. We can help you evaluate the desirability of facilitative mediation and other ADR methods, and represent your interest throughout the process. As a premier litigation firm, Smith Haughey understands that litigation is often an appropriate and effective means to pursue remedy. But we also recognize that litigation is not the best solution for every client. We are experienced at employing ADR strategies – such as facilitative meditation – to avoid the potential expense and exposure of a trial, and achieve an early and fair resolution of conflict. PROFESSIONALS SHAREHOLDER KEVIN B. EVEN OF COUNSEL PATRICK F. GEARY OF COUNSEL PHILIP A. GRASHOFF, JR. SHAREHOLDER WILLIAM W. JACK, JR. SHAREHOLDER KRISTA A. JACKSON SHAREHOLDER E. THOMAS MCCARTHY, JR. SHAREHOLDER D. ADAM TOUNTAS CLIENT PORTAL NEWS AND PUBLICATIONS CAREERS CONTACT US LITIGATION AND TRIAL SERVICES Alternative Dispute Resolution Appellate Law Commercial Litigation Services Insurance Litigation Services Medical Malpractice Defense Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Professional Liability Defense Services Probate Litigation BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE Construction Law Services Health Law Services Intellectual Property Law Services Labor and Employment Law Services Real Estate Law Securities Law FAMILY AND ESTATE SERVICES Estate Planning Services Family and Divorce Law Services PEOPLE Attorneys Paralegals/Legal Nurse Consultants Management OFFICES Grand Rapids Ann Arbor Holland Muskegon OUR FIRM History Diversity and Inclusion Community Responsibility