In the world of commercial disputes, the more traditional forms of alternative dispute resolution, arbitration and mediation, have become very popular and indeed have become a viable and common alternative to state and federal judicial fora. And the handling of arbitrations and mediations has become a highly specialized form of representation. Many firms have devoted entire practice sections to this enterprise. For example, Squire Patton Boggs international dispute resolution group has offices worldwide.
However, prior to the handing of a particular dispute via a form of ADR, it is of paramount importance to assess the contract or other agreement in which dispute resolution is mentioned. In making recommendations on a protocol for resolving commercial disputes, there are serious issues of professional judgment that require strict adherence to ethical standards.
