Alternative Dispute Resolution

Steptoe & Johnson LLP has a long history of involvement in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques. We have a significant practice in international dispute resolution and arbitration. We also have for many years been active in ADR matters on the domestic front.

Over the past few years, Steptoe has successfully concluded some of its most important litigation by using ADR techniques. These cases have included a major antitrust suit in the railroad industry and litigation over royalties to be paid by a major Alaska North Slope oil producer to the State of Alaska.

In these examples and others, we have specifically tailored ADR procedures to wind up ongoing litigation on terms that clients thought to their great advantage. As usual with ADR, these settlements have involved major savings to the client in time and expenses. We have also drafted ADR clauses for settlement agreements and contracts to provide quick and less expensive means of solving disputes arising under such agreements.

More recently, partners in the firm have served as mediators or arbitrators in cases involving professional football franchises, communications satellites, and major retail and real estate holdings. In one instance, multiple lawsuits in three jurisdictions were settled in a mediation of three and one-half months.

We find that our clients' interests are best served by maintaining an ADR capability separate from our litigation group. We screen all new litigation matters for ADR potential and work closely with the litigation team when some alternative to litigation becomes a possibility.

The firm has been an active participant in the Center for Public Resources' (CPR) Institute for Dispute Resolution since its founding. Partners John Nolan and Bob Jordan serve as members of CPR's Panel of Distinguished Neutrals. All are proponents of ADR in the national bar.

Several of our largest corporate clients have been leaders in the development of ADR, and we continue to work with them as the field develops.

Select News & Events

• Steptoe Earns First Place on Top Ten Arbitrations Scorecard
• Best Lawyers in America 2007 Lists Steptoe Attorneys

Publications

• A Gentlemen's Agreement: The Impact of Honorable Engagement Clauses in US and English Reinsurance Agreements and Arbitration Today
  April 6, 2006, 16 Mealey's Litigation Report: Reinsurance No. 23
• Litigation v. Arbitration
  An Update on the Comparative Advantages and Disadvantages
  December 12, 2005, Mealey's International Arbitration Report
• Governing Law Clauses in Morabaha and Ijarah Agreements
  The Court of Appeal's Decision in Shamil Bank of Bahrain Ec -v- Beximco Pharaceuticals Limited and Others [2004] EWCA Civ 19
  2005