CHICAGO, March 20, 2025 — The American Bar Association Business Law Section has released a new book, “Preventing the Dispute Before It Begins: Proven Mechanisms for Fostering Better Business Relationships,” that provides effective dispute prevention mechanisms to help control and eliminate contract disputes and successfully manage better business relationships.
To help lawyers take action to prevent disputes before they occur, this valuable guide provides proven prevention mechanisms to effectively avoid and prevent business disputes. Written by leading authorities, the book introduces the why and what of dispute prevention and includes a case study of an organization that is shifting from reactive dispute resolution to applying proactive dispute prevention practices. This guide will help lawyers better understand the detailed workings of prevention-focused mechanisms, which include formalizing and managing the business relationship. An overview of the mechanisms is discussed, why they are effective in preventing disputes and how organizations are putting them into practice.
Title: “Preventing the Dispute Before It Begins: Proven Mechanisms for Fostering BetterBusiness Relationships”
Publisher: ABA Business Law Section
Pages: 194 pages
Product Code: 5070834
ISBN: 9-781-63905-555-5
Size: 7x10
Binding: Paperback
Price: $64.95
Orders: 800-285-2221 or ShopABA.org
About the Authors: The book has four authors: Kate Vitasek, distinguished fellow for the University of Tennessee’s Global Supply Chain Institute, Kirkland, Washington; James P. Groton, retired partner, Eversheds Sutherland, Atlanta, Georgia; Ellen Waldman, vice president of advocacy and educational outreach at the Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR), New York, New York; and Allen Waxman, of counsel, DLA Piper, New York, New York.
What others are saying about “Preventing the Dispute Before It Begins: Proven Mechanisms for Fostering Better Business Relationships:”
“The world of contracts is changing in exciting ways with new ideas about how parties can foster productive relationships. ‘Preventing the Dispute Before It Begins’ provides a terrific 'tour d’horizon' of the latest developments.” — Oliver Hart, Nobel laureate in economic sciences, economic theorist, and professor, Harvard University
“Dispute prevention is worth its weight in gold — making this book a must-read for companies engaged in B2B partnerships. The result is significant cost savings, stronger partnerships, a healthier bottom line and freedom from the headaches and financial drains that accompany spiraling disputes. I strongly recommend this book for any company looking to transform conflict from a costly burden into a strategic advantage.” — Daniel L. Shapiro, founder and director, Harvard International Negotiation Program, author of “Negotiating the Nonnegotiable”
“For too long, lawyers and others have been overly focused on how to resolve disputes. This highly practical and engaging book is a huge contribution.” — James Bamford, co-founder of Water Street Partners and former co-lead of the Joint Venture & Alliance Practice at McKinsey & Company
“"’Preventing the Dispute Before It Begins’ breaks new ground in presenting a spectrum of tools and insights, including the latest applied research and case studies, in a breezy, quick-read format that makes it accessible to busy decision-makers. It should be required reading for clients and counsel, not to mention students of law and business.” — Thomas Stipanowich, William H. Webster chair in dispute resolution and professor of law, Pepperdine University
“I found “Preventing the Dispute Before It Begins” to be the first clear resource I have come across in reviewing the variety of mechanisms that can be deployed to prevent disputes in business-to-business relationships. We will all benefit from using its guidance in focusing our energies on growing our business relationships rather than wasting those energies on unnecessary conflict.” — Laura Robertson, vvice president and deputy general counsel, Conoco-Phillips
Editor’s note: Author interviews and review copies of this book are available by emailing Katrina Krause at [email protected]. If you publish a review of this book, please send tear sheets or a copy for our files to Katrina Krause, ABA Business Law Section, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654.
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