When legal disputes arise, navigating them efficiently and cost-effectively is crucial.

As an experienced neutral and consultant in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), I help businesses and individuals develop structured programs to resolve conflicts without unnecessary legal expenses. My approach emphasizes early mediation to prevent disputes from escalating and utilizing strategic arbitration that avoids excessive costs.

If arbitration is necessary, I provide fixed-fee arbitration services designed to be more effective and affordable than traditional programs. By assembling a skilled ADR team, you can mitigate risks, reduce legal fees, and resolve disputes efficiently—keeping your focus on your business rather than prolonged litigation.

There are many options to explore and understand before selecting the ADR method that is right for you.

Here are just a few things to consider:

• Regardless of method, all ADR processes can now be accomplished remotely without the need for in person meetings or attendance. Web-based ADR has proved to be remarkably successful.

Mediation is an excellent choice where both sides can’t seem to negotiate a resolution on their own and simply need an impartial 3rd party to help them along the way.

• Mediation is an interactive process where an impartial third party (sometimes called “the neutral”) assists the disputing parties in resolving conflict using specialized communication and negotiation techniques. Mr. Salters is an expert at using these techniques.  In mediation, a resolution is reached only if all sides agree to a settlement or resolution. If either side does not like the way the mediation is progressing, they can simply “walk away”. While this does happen on occasion, a good neutral will typically either settle the case or bring both sides a better understanding of what must be accomplished to reach resolution a bit further down the road.

• Binding Arbitration is an excellent option if both sides realize that they cannot amicably settle their differences by negotiation, but still wish to reach a resolution in a timely and cost-effective manner. In arbitration, both sides submit their evidence and can give testimony directly to the Arbitrator or Hearing Officer. The dispute will then be decided by the arbitrator who renders the ‘arbitration award’. An arbitration decision or award can be legally binding on both sides and enforceable in the courts.  So, often an even complex dispute can be resolved in a one-day arbitration at a fraction of the typical cost.

• The main difference between mediation and arbitration is that Mediation is collaborative, i.e. where two parties work together to arrive at a decision whereas arbitration is adversarial in nature.

You may not need an attorney. If you are involved in a business or personal dispute and you do not wish to hire an attorney, if both parties agree the matter can be effectively resolved through both mediation or arbitration.