LEGAL 222 - Alternative Dispute Resolution

1. Explain the negotiation, mediation, and arbitration processes by identifying participants, decision-making authorities, best alternatives given the circumstances of a particular dispute, and the role a paralegal plays in each process.
2. Evaluate a client’s negotiation position in terms of the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case.
3. Describe the meaning and effect of mediation agreements and how they influence a party’s future rights.
4. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration, and assist in determining whether arbitration is appropriate and/or required in a given situation.
5. Define the state and federal laws governing arbitration, including court mandated arbitration.
6. Describe the various nontraditional alternative dispute resolution processes, and determine when each process is best applied.
7. Recognize the ethical issues that may arise in the dispute resolution process and the professional guidelines and rules used to respond to these issues.