Alternative Dispute Resolution
In recent years, individuals, businesses and other entities have increasingly turned to third-party neutrals for help in resolving disputes as a means to help control legal costs or simply to avoid lengthy litigation. Alternative Dispute Resolution techniques can lead to excellent results with substantial savings of transaction costs and increased privacy. The lawyers at Hoff Curtis are familiar with alternative dispute resolution techniques and will recommend them in appropriate cases.
Attorney Richard Cassidy represents clients in mediations and arbitrations and serves as mediator or arbitrator. He has served as a neutral in hundreds of cases, including employment, construction, personal injury, real property and environmental disputes. He is a former member of the American Arbitration Association's Panel of Arbitrators for Construction Disputes. A member of the American Bar Association Dispute resolution, he has served as a member of the panel of Early Neutral Evaluators for the United States District Court for the District of Vermont since 1991. He is also a member of the early neutral evaluation panels for many of Vermont's Superior Courts and its Environmental Court. He was one of the drafters of the Revised Uniform Arbitration Act.
Mediation
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that assists two or more parties in reaching an agreement in a dispute. A mediator works to facilitate settlement negotiations before or after litigation has started. The mediator can maximize the chance the parties have to reach an amicable resolution rather than bringing in a third-party to impose a settlement.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a is a method of resolving disputes outside of court. An arbitrator, who is an unbiased third-party, hears and reviews evidence, and decides cases like judges but with some substantial differences. Parties may agree to arbitrate in the event a dispute arises, or after one has occurred.Arbitration can offer the parties streamlined procedures, and speedy and private case resolutions.
