Alternative Dispute Resolution

Litigation can be expensive and time consuming, and results are public, but there are alternative methods for resolving disputes which may be less costly, more efficient, and private. The key is finding a neutral who will commit the time and attention necessary to resolve even the most difficult and challenging disputes. Our team of trained and experienced Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) attorneys serve as neutrals in arbitration, mediation, early neutral evaluation and other methods of dispute resolution. They have completed the required training to be included on the Minnesota Supreme Court’s Roster of Qualified Neutrals and are qualified to serve as ADR neutrals, such as arbitrators, mediators, and fact-finders/evaluators.

Our Approach

As neutrals, we come to the discussion fully prepared, so we can work effectively and creatively with all parties and their attorneys. We want to know your case and your positions, and we want to be certain the parties know their respective interests have been recognized and addressed.

As trained and experienced advocates, our neutrals bring a deep and complete understanding of the process from all perspectives. Our professionals understand the strategies and viewpoints used by both neutrals and advocates, thus providing a multi-dimensional approach. In addition, our neutrals have extensive experience with a wide range of business and consumer disputes, including real estate, trusts and estates, employment, healthcare, insurance, and banking and lender liability, giving them a head start in understanding the legal issues at the core of the dispute to more quickly come to a resolution.

Mediation

Mediation is an effective dispute resolution tool through which the qualified neutral (mediator) works with the parties to come to an agreement and settle their dispute. A mediator does not make any decisions as to the outcome of the agreement, but are skilled in the strategies that help both parties come together, even in some of the most challenging situations. Our team of skilled mediators have experience resolving disputes both in and out of the courtroom, and work to guide the parties through the process and come together without the substantial expense, publicity, or uncertainty of a public trial.

Qualified neutrals in the area of mediation are:

Thomas H. Boyd
Aimée D. Dayhoff
Laura A. Pfeiffer

Arbitration

In the arbitration process, the role of the qualified neutral (arbitrator) is somewhat more formal, acting more like a judge that conducts a hearing, reviews evidence and testimony, and then makes a decision, which is usually binding. An arbitration may be mandated in an agreement or policy, and can be completed much more quickly than a trial through the court system, and unlike mediation, provides a final result. Our qualified neutrals have the training and experience to clearly and fairly hear and analyze the evidence and testimony and find a fair, final, and speedy resolution to the matter.

Qualified neutrals for mediation and arbitration are:

David M. Aafedt
Jeffrey R. Ansel
Tammera R. Diehm