Introduction
Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") refers to ways of settling disputes outside of the traditional courtroom setting. ADR techniques typically involve settling legal conflicts and disputes using methods such as arbitration, mediation, and negotiation, however other types of ADR are also used. As the costs associated with litigation rise, and the courts have become backlogged with cases causing severe delays in reaching final decisions, many states have started to experiment with and implement various types of ADR programs in an effort to combat some of these issues. In addition to a pilot project in Oregon, “ten federal district courts currently have mandatory programs of court-annexed, non-binding arbitration that are funded by Congress