Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to any means of settling a dispute outside of the courtroom. With the escalating costs of litigation and a backlog of cases in state and federal courts, many companies are turning to ADR as an effective means of resolving a variety of business and workplace disputes. ADR is an option for avoiding lawsuits that drag on for years or may be subject to surprise courtroom verdicts.

Benefits: Savings in cost and time are the dominant reasons, but there are other significant reasons, such as:

  • preservation of business relationships
  • arrangements may be made quickly
  • process usually takes two days or less
  • simple and easy process
  • confidentiality
  • process can be binding or non-binding
  • the outcome is within the control of the parties

Specialty Areas:

  • Business: Antitrust, banking, bankruptcy, business contracts, class actions, commercial disputes, corporate transactions, environmental, franchising, healthcare, insurance coverage, intellectual property, lender liability, real estate, securities
  • Employment: Age, race and disability employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination
  • Construction: Construction defects, breach of contract, late payments, construction delays and bidding issues involving architects, prime contractors, subcontractors and engineers
  • Personal injury: Personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, toxic torts, worker's compensation, wrongful death
  • Family law: Divorce, child custody, visitation, palimony, pre- and post-nuptial agreements

Biographies: Members of the department are fully trained in alternative dispute resolution procedures and are often selected to serve as arbitrators, mediators and neutrals.

  • Peter J. Frazza: Experienced in numerous arbitrations and mediations as counsel to participants. Computer law, software licensing, employment, business contract, real estate and partnership disputes.
  • Hon. William M. D'Annunzio: Former Judge, New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division (1986 - 2001); Presiding Judge, Chancery Division for Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties (1984 - 86); trial judge (1978 - 84).
  • Carl Greenberg: Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers. Complex tort, products liability and medical malpractice litigation. Adjunct Professor, Trial Practice, Rutgers Law School.
  • Norman Sade: Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers. Complex commercial and industrial property and fidelity insurance matters, commercial and tort litigation.
  • Deborah E. Nelson: Certified matrimonial mediator. Former Vice Chair, New Jersey State Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section. Former Chair, Morris County Bar Association ADR Committee.