Dispute Resolution Tools & Resources

Access to Justice

Access to Justice White Paper: The Section of Dispute Resolution Task Force on Access to Justice has created a 20-page white paper with recommendations. The white paper includes how dispute resolution services can increase access to justice and services, the roles attorneys representing clients can play, the role technology can play and recommendations.
Access to Justice, Daedalus article: "Access to Justice” – the first open access issue of Dædalus – features twenty-four essays that examine the national crisis in civil legal services facing poor and low-income Americans: from the challenges of providing quality legal assistance to more people, to the social and economic costs of an often unresponsive legal system, to the opportunities for improvement offered by new technologies, professional innovations, and fresh ways of thinking about the crisis.
Manual for Legal Services and Pro Bono Mediation Programs: This manual has been created to assist legal services and pro bono agencies in developing mediation programs. The manual is designed to give governing boards, chief executives and mediation program administrators the tools to start new programs or to strengthen existing programs.

Introduction to the Elder Abuse and Neglect Screening Guidelines for Mediators: The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Task Force on Elder Abuse Screening for Mediators has created guidelines that provide information about possible signs of elder neglect and abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, financial, social, and neglect), that negatively impact the ability of older adults to participate in mediation. The guidelines should be used to assess the appropriateness and design of mediation as a response to matters of decision making and disputes. Additionally, the guidelines offer considerations about the value of attorneys and other participants being present in the mediation process or the need for referrals to other professional services.

Family Mediation Guide: This guide has information specific to mediation in family disputes.

Guide for Federal Mediators: This Guide is intended to provide practical ethical guidance for federal employee mediators tailored to mediation practice within the federal government.
Interagency Alternative Dispute Resolution Working Group: The Interagency ADR Working Group was established as a resource for developing ADR programs and sharing information to support the use of ADR.
Department of the Air Force Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (NDR) Program: The Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Program champions effective problem-solving and equips Airmen and Guardians to leverage negotiation and conflict resolution skills to enhance mission readiness.
Federal Judicial Center: The Federal Judicial Center is the research and education agency of the judicial branch of the U.S. government. Its purpose is to further the improved judicial administration in the courts of the United States.
John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution (National Center or NCECR): The National Center guides groups through collaborative processes to achieve science-based decision-making, collaborative policy, and other lasting outcomes, with a focus on a wide range of environmental, natural resources, and public lands issues involving the Federal Government.

Updates on the status of federal alternative dispute resolution (ADR) legislation and other related proposals and measures:

ADR Organizations: Click here for a list of national, state, and local dispute resolution organizations.