Quick Resource Guides: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

What is ADR?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the common term for different ways of settling a dispute other than going to court.  ADR includes mediation, arbitration, neutral evaluation, settlement conferences, as well as special masters and referees.  The law library posted a brief article about ADR Tools that you can read here: https://aclawlib.wordpress.com/2024/03/26/toolbox-tuesday-adr-tools-at-the-alameda-county-law-library/

The Alameda Superior Court has compiled information about ADR resources in Alameda County.  You can find this information here:  https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/general-information/adr

The Alameda County Superior Court ADR Program can be contacted in the following ways:

Telephone: (510) 891-6055
Emailadrprogram@alameda.courts.ca.gov

More information and lists of mediators and judicial arbitrators are available here: https://eportal.alameda.courts.ca.gov/?q=node/402

 

Forms

In Alameda County, the person who files a civil lawsuit (plaintiff) must include the ADR Information Packet with the complaint when serving the defendant, see C.R.C. 3.221.  Cross complainants must serve the ADR Information Packet on any new parties named to the action.  The forms are in a packet located here:

https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/adrpacket_1.pdf

Alternatively, the individual forms are located here:  https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules/appendix-forms

For Federal Court, the Northern District of California also has forms located on their ADR page, located here:  https://cand.uscourts.gov/about/court-programs/alternative-dispute-resolution-adr/

Videos

LA Law Library

Civil Lawsuit Basics:  Why & How to Settle a Case
https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1532-civil-lawsuit-basics-when-why-how-to-settle-a-case-online

Books

California Practice Guide, Alternative Dispute Resolution

KFC1093 .K5, shelf 117A

Also available online via Westlaw

Bench Handbook: Judges guide to ADR
KFC782 .D4 2003, shelf 114A.

Also available online via CEB OnLaw.

California civil procedure before trial

KFC995 .C342 2004, Chapter 45, shelf 116A

Also available online via CEB OnLaw.

California Forms of Pleading and Practice

KFC1010 .A65 C3, volume 4, chapters 30-39, shelf 106A.

Also available online via Lexis and the Lexis Digital Library.

 

Mediation Service Programs in Alameda County

Center for Community Dispute Settlement

291 McLeod Street, Livermore, CA 94550

Telephones: (925) 337-7175 | (925) 337-2915 (Spanish)

Website: www.trivalleymediation.com

CCDS provides services in the Tri-Valley area for all of Alameda County.

The Congress of Neutrals

3478 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 1000, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Telephone: (925) 937-3008 Website: www.congressofneutrals.org

Their mission is to serve the community, promote harmony and help resolve conflict,

one conversation at a time.