Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

Recently I had the opportunity to address the litigation section of the Tennessee Bar Association on the subject of how the private ADR process works. Jury and non-jury trials in our courthouses are generally open to the public. Both young and old can provide the details of what occurs in a Perry Mason type trial. On the other hand the public is mostly unaware of the multitude of disputes that are being resolved effectively, speedily and inexpensively in a humane way, privately. The general public, including attorneys, should, from time to time, take a look at what takes place in these private ADR sessions and hearings. Here's a glimpse into the process.