Services

Mediation

Mediation is a confidential, informal process to assist the parties and their counsel to identify issues and options, get passed impasse, and reach a resolution of their dispute.  Depending on the context either facilitative or evaluative mediation methods may be employed, but always with a focus on reality-based discussions and practical solutions . See Resources for Furlong ADR’s standard mediation agreement.

Arbitration

In arbitration the parties present their cases to the arbitrator, who acts like a judge to decide their dispute.  The arbitrator’s decision is binding unless a non-binding decision is requested by agreement.  Depending on the preferences of the parties and their counsel the rules of evidence may be relaxed (or not),  and discovery may be expedited in a more efficient manner.  If done properly, arbitration should be faster, more flexible and less expensive than traditional litigation. See Resources for Furlong ADR’s standard arbitration agreement.

Early Neutral Evaluation

One way to gain insights into likely trial outcomes prior to spending significant sums in full-blown discovery and motions practice is to engage in early neutral evaluation.  The litigants submit their respective cases to the neutral in the form of evidentiary proffers and legal arguments and then jointly meet with the neutral to discuss the merits of the claims and defenses.  The neutral, drawing on his experience in cases like the one presented, then provides a predicted outcome. The neutral’s “decision” is confidential and not binding.  However, the litigants will emerge with the benefit of a qualified neutral’s assessment of the case, which can lead to more productive settlement discussions or, at a minimum, adjustments to trial preparation and presentation strategies.  

Areas of experience and focus include:

  • Will caveat

  • Partition

  • Insurance coverage

  • Professional malpractice (medical; legal; accountant; other professionals)

  • Products liability

  • Employment

  • Wage and hour disputes (incl. FLSA)

  • RICO

  • Trusts and estates

  • D&O liability

  • Organ and tissue donation

  • All torts

  • Business and contract disputes

  • Serious personal injury and wrongful death

  • Consumer protection

  • Class actions

  • Construction

  • Real estate

  • Toxic tort

  • Landlord-tenant

  • Business dissolutions

  • Receiverships

  • Non-competition agreements

  • Property disputes (real and personal)

  • Fiduciary duty

Standard Rate

$575/hour, generally split evenly by the parties.

Court-mandated rates apply to all court referrals.