Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a variety of processes that help parties resolve disputes without a trial. These processes are generally confidential, less formal and less stressful than traditional court proceedings. In addition, ADR provides an alternative to lengthy and costly litigation by offering a cost effective resolution of disagreements in less time.
In ADR processes such as mediation, parties play an important role in resolving their own disputes. Most civil cases filed in Florida will be mediated by agreement or order at some stage in the litigation. In arbitration, an ‘arbitrator’ hears argument and evidence from each side and then decides the outcome.
Marks Gray attorney Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr. has been on the national roster of public arbitrators for the Financial Industries Regulatory Authority (FINRA), formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) since 1987.