This is FindLaw's collection of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) articles, part of the Litigation and Disputes section of the Corporate Counsel Center. "ADR" refers to any means of settling disputes outside of the courtroom and is usually less formal, less expensive, and less time-consuming than a trial. ADR typically includes early neutral evaluation, negotiation, conciliation, mediation, and arbitration. While the two most common forms of ADR are arbitration and mediation, negotiation is almost always attempted first to resolve a dispute. Law articles in this archive are predominantly written by lawyers for a professional audience seeking business solutions to legal issues. Start your free research with FindLaw.