In your Civil Litigation course, you studied all that is involved in the complicated and "drawn-out" process of civil litigation. You explored the role of the paralegal in this process which can include everything from gathering information to preparing and organizing materials for trial.

Alternatives to litigation that are usually less costly and more expedient are mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Please use the textbooks and resources from your past courses to answer and discuss the questions below. Also, please review the ADR website at this link: American Arbitration Association.

The Cornell Law website also presents a nice overview of ADR at this link: Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Please answer and discuss the following:

1. Please define arbitration and mediation. What are the key differences between the two?

2. Why would a party rather use ADR than traditional litigation?

3. What is the alternative argument? What are some reasons a party would choose to litigate rather than use ADR?

4. What is the role of a Paralegal or Legal Assistant in the ADR process or in working for mediators or arbitrators?