The demand for experts in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has grown exponentially and has recently been the hottest legal trend in the country. Over the past decade, ADR has gone from being regarded as a slightly disreputable way of settling conflict to being accepted by corporations and the public at large as a way of circumventing the cumbersome and expensive American legal system.

Alternative dspute resolution corporations have sprouted like weeds among the gardens of the American judiciary system, and independent alternative dispute experts have taken their place alongside lawyers and judges as a mainstay of legal dispute resolution.

With dispute resolution consulting in such demand, a business owner who works with ADR needs to know the best way to find experts in alternative dispute resolution. Some quick thoughts:

1). While it is often used as a way of resolving legal differences, ADR is different from the legal system. It is important to look for an authority in alternative dispute resolution when you are involved in any way with ADR.

2). There are different types of ADR, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Depending on what kind is involved, a different dispute resolution specialist may need to be used.

3). When engaging dispute resolution consultants, always have an understanding of the contractual terms requiring ADR, and what leeway you have in choosing an alternative dispute resolution expert.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

First, educate yourself on how alternative dispute resolution experts work

Before you can search for an expert in alternative dispute resolution, you need to understand what kind you need.

I recommend: The Association for Conflict Resolution has a terrific selection of resources that can help you better understand the ins and outs of ADR. The Legal Information Institute at Cornell University also has a good overview of ADR, along with a listing of laws and cases dealing with ADR issues.

Utilize ADR blogs to find out about dispute resolution specialists

Alongside the growth of ADR, blogs have sprung up that can tell you what you need to know about finding the right dispute resolution experts.

I recommend: The World Directorty of ADR Blogs is a great place to go for the most up-to-date and wide ranging blogs on ADR from around the world. Another place that features writing on ADR issues and often specific alternative dispute resolution corporations is the American Bar Associations Blawg (yes, that's the right spelling) Directory.

Find the most comprehensive directory of dispute resolution consultants

Make sure you have a complete listing of independent alternative disupte resolution experts and alternate dispute resolution corporations to service your needs.

I recommend: Two of the most comprehensive guides out there for dispute resolution consulting firms are the Martindale Hubble International Dispute Resolution Directory, which breaks down the authorities in alternative dispute resolution by areas of practice, country and services, and Findlaw's MarketCenter, which provides similar breakdowns.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you have a lawyer you work with regularly, be sure to work with them on finding an alternative dispute resolution expert.
• •  Even though it may not seem as formal as a legal hearing, take alternative dispute resolution seriously. Don't represent yourself.
• •  Remember that different states have different rules regarding alternative dispute resolution. Make sure your independent alternate dispute expert can represent you adequately.