Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Europe
Resolve Disputes Out of Court With Alternative Dispute Resolution
Litigation is not the only way to settle a conflict — and often not the best one. Alternative dispute resolution spans mediation, arbitration, expert determination and structured negotiation, each with its own strengths. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who helps you choose and run the right ADR route.
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Who this is for
A family of methods that keep disputes away from the courtroom
Alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, is an umbrella term for the various ways of resolving disagreements without going through full court litigation. It includes mediation, where a neutral facilitator helps parties negotiate their own settlement; arbitration, where a private tribunal issues a binding decision; and other techniques such as expert determination and early neutral evaluation. ADR exists because litigation is frequently slow, public, costly and destructive of relationships — drawbacks that these alternatives are designed to reduce. The right method depends on the nature of the dispute, the parties’ relationship, the value at stake and whether a binding outcome is required or a negotiated one preferred. Many contracts now require ADR before litigation, and courts across Europe increasingly encourage or direct parties towards it. Choosing well among the options, and then running the chosen process effectively, is precisely where experienced legal guidance adds the most value.
Why disputes end up in court unnecessarily
Without a clear ADR strategy, parties default to litigation.
Often to their own detriment.
The range of ADR options can be confusing, and the wrong choice or a poorly run process wastes time and money.
Not knowing which method fits
Mediation, arbitration and the other ADR techniques suit different disputes, and picking the wrong one — or none at all — can mean a dispute drags through the courts when a faster, cheaper route was available.
Contractual ADR clauses ignored
Many agreements require the parties to attempt ADR before litigation, and failing to comply can stall or derail a later court case — yet clauses are often forgotten or followed incorrectly.
A failed ADR attempt
When an ADR process is begun without preparation or skilled facilitation, it can fail and harden positions, leaving parties worse off and convinced that out-of-court resolution does not work for them.
What you get
A lawyer who maps and runs the right ADR route
We only match you with dispute lawyers who practise the full range of ADR methods, not just one approach.
Method selection
Your lawyer analyses your dispute and recommends the ADR method — or combination — best suited to the relationship, the stakes and your objectives, rather than defaulting to whatever is familiar.
Process design
The chosen process is set up properly from the start: the right neutral or mediator, the right rules and timetable, and clear terms on confidentiality and how any outcome will be recorded.
Representation throughout
You are advised and represented through the process, so offers are assessed on their legal and commercial merits, your interests are protected, and you do not settle for less than you should.
Binding where it matters
Where a binding outcome is needed — an arbitration award, or a settlement recorded so it is enforceable — your lawyer ensures the ADR result is properly formalised and holds up in practice.
Coverage
ADR lawyers across Europe
ADR practice, and the way courts interact with it, varies from one European country to the next, and some jurisdictions make ADR a precondition of litigation. The right lawyer understands your country’s ADR landscape. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Alternative dispute resolution — common questions
What methods fall under alternative dispute resolution?
The main methods are mediation, where a neutral helps the parties reach their own agreement; arbitration, where a private tribunal issues a binding decision; and others such as expert determination, early neutral evaluation and structured negotiation. Each has a different role and level of formality.
Is ADR cheaper than going to court?
ADR is frequently faster and less costly than full litigation, particularly mediation and negotiation. Arbitration can be expensive for large disputes, though often still more efficient than multi-jurisdiction litigation. The realistic cost depends on the method and the complexity of the case.
Is the outcome of ADR legally binding?
It depends on the method. An arbitration award is binding and enforceable, while a mediation or negotiation only becomes binding if the parties record their settlement in a formal, enforceable agreement. Expert determination is typically binding if the parties agree it should be.
Can I be forced into ADR?
You cannot generally be compelled to use ADR without your agreement. However, many contracts include clauses requiring ADR before litigation, and courts in some countries may expect or encourage parties to have considered it, with potential cost consequences for unreasonable refusal.
How do I choose between mediation and arbitration?
Mediation suits parties who want to preserve a relationship and keep control of the outcome, while arbitration suits those who need a binding decision from a private tribunal. Your lawyer can help weigh factors such as confidentiality, cost, speed and enforceability for your specific dispute.
What happens if ADR does not resolve the dispute?
If a non-binding process such as mediation fails, the parties can still proceed to litigation or arbitration. A failed attempt does not forfeit your rights, though a well-run ADR process often narrows the issues and can make any later proceedings faster and cheaper.
Free case review
Choose the right route before the dispute chooses for you
Tell us about your dispute, and we’ll connect you with a lawyer who practises the full range of alternative dispute resolution every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.