Litigation is often time-consuming and always costly, so even a trial win may not be the best way to resolve your dispute. Andrews Kurth lawyers have a proven record of courtroom success. But we routinely use arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as pragmatic ways to meet our clients' needs, while sparing them the cost, time and stress of a lawsuit.

A wealth of experience

We have substantial experience in all forms of alternative dispute resolution:

• Arbitration
• Mediation
• Summary jury trial
• Early neutral evaluation
• Moderated settlement
• Conciliation
  

Our ADR practitioners are accomplished trial attorneys, and a number of them have also received formal ADR training and serve as mediators and arbitrators. From minor two-party conflicts to multi-million dollar corporate battles, we have used arbitration and mediation to settle disputes involving:

We also help clients incorporate ADR into their everyday business practices, showing them how to prepare contract provisions, organizational procedures and guidelines on using arbitration and mediation to settle commercial disputes and internal matters.

A forum of experts

A proceeding before a panel of experienced arbitrators who are knowledgeable about the issue at hand is often faster and less expensive than civil litigation.

Andrews Kurth lawyers have handled numerous arbitrations on behalf of clients in forums sponsored by the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the National Association of Security Dealers (NASD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). We understand which controversies are best settled by arbitration, and can help you decide when arbitration may be the best way to get the result you want.

An approach to flexibility

Mediation may take many different forms, and mediators often follow their own unique paths to understand a dispute and effectuate a settlement between the parties. Andrews Kurth has represented clients in a wide range of mediation proceedings, and our experienced lawyers are often able to reach a favorable result that might not be possible through trial alone. For example, when the Court of Appeals reversed a $12 million trial court judgment against our equipment rental client in a severe burn case and remanded the case for a new trial, the parties mediated on appeal and settled very favorably to our client.

A dedication to results

Andrews Kurth’s reputation for thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy enables our clients to comfortably go to trial or reach a favorable settlement during trial. However, there are matters for which arbitration or mediation is the best alternative. Our lawyers have the experience to evaluate the most appropriate and effective strategies to reach your goals, and the skill to produce the best possible results. 

We want to see your interests protected the best way possible and evaluate the alternatives that will work most effectively for you. We’ll give you straight talk about your options – and back it up with solid results, whatever the direction you choose.