California Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
Encyclopedia
Mediation
Mediation, as used in law, is a form of alternative dispute resolution , a way of resolving disputes between two or more parties. A third party, the mediator, assists the parties to negotiate their own settlement...
s and arbitrators distinguished by their hands-on experience in the field of conflict resolution
Conflict resolution
Conflict resolution is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of some social conflict. Often, committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information about their conflicting motives or ideologies to the rest...
, and by their commitment to methods of alternative dispute resolution
Alternative dispute resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution includes dispute resolution processes and techniques that act as a means for disagreeing parties to come to an agreement short of litigation. ADR basically is an alternative to a formal court hearing or litigation...
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Membership is limited to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
neutrals who have substantial experience in the resolution of commercial & civil disputes, and who have been recognized for their accomplishments through the Academy's peer-nomination and extensive attorney client review process. Membership in the Academy is by invitation only and is limited to established mediators and arbitrators, each of whom is confirmed to have met strict nomination and experience requirements, and to have established a solid reputation in their respective fields of practice.
As of December 2007, only 120 such attorneys have been recognized by the group, less than 5% of the state's neutrals.