Keep your company out of court

Alternative dispute resolution is usually the best option, say 88 per cent of Canadian lawyers

When you can't resolve an issue, don't take them to court - take them to mediation instead. That's the recommendation of 88 per cent of Canadian lawyers surveyed recently.

Settling out of court through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is becoming an increasingly common practice.

The survey was developed by law staffing firm The Affiliates and includes responses from 100 lawyers in Canada's 500 biggest law firms.

Lawyers were asked, "Would you recommend alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to your clients as an alternative to litigation?" Their responses:

Yes - 88 per cent
No - six per cent
Don't know - six per cent

The litigation process consumes valuable time for lawyers, their clients and the courts, and often results in exorbitant legal expenses, said Sheron Hindley-Smith, regional manager of The Affiliates.

"Alternative Dispute Resolution is an ideal option for opposing parties to settle a legal matter in a mutually beneficial and cost-effective manner," she said.

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