Why Use USA&M?

USA&M is a full service ADR organization with 19 offices located throughout the United States. USA&M administrative personnel provide pre-hearing administrative services which accelerate the progression of cases toward resolution. USA&M neutrals and trainers work together to provide a range of professional services which are essential components of any successful ADR program or claims resolution effort. From a cost standpoint, USA&M is generally less expensive than other ADR service organizations which utilize retired judges or senior partners in large law firms.

Who Are USA&M's Neutrals?

Since 1984, USA&M has trained professional attorney-neutrals throughout the country to provide a consistent level of service for all USA&M clients, regardless of geographic location. USA&M has focused its efforts over the past 15 years on the development of geographically diverse and highly skilled panels of mediators and arbitrators, rather than the promotion of one or two well-known individuals. Neutrals who are selected for affiliation with USA&M are typically experienced litigators with some degree of subject matter expertise in a particular field of practice, although the majority of USA&M mediators are able to handle virtually any kind of dispute.

Why Would Defense Attorneys Use ADR?

The most frequent reason given for defense attorneys' use of ADR is that it saves their clients money, and by saving their clients money, the defense attorneys are serving their clients well. Insurance clients, in particular, highly value their attorneys' willingness to refer cases into mediation in an effort at achieving an out-of-court settlement.

Why Would Plaintiff Attorneys Use ADR?

Plaintiff attorneys see mediation as a way of saving case preparation costs, including discovery expenses and other litigation costs. Mediation gives plaintiffs an opportunity to be heard in a neutral and non-confrontational forum which allows them to be part of the settlement process. Arbitration is often preferred by plaintiff attorneys for cases which need a formal hearing process. The use of arbitration is generally tied to a desire to avoid the time, uncertainty and expense of litigation.