Alternative Dispute Resolution is a growing area of the law, both as a means to assist in resolving litigation matters which have been formally filed and, increasingly, as an alternative to traditional litigation. All Bishop & Heintz litigators have experience in representing clients in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) including:

• Mediation
• Arbitration
• Case Evaluation
• Settlement conferences

All of these are vehicles toward expeditious and cost-saving resolution of contested matters, and an understanding of the process and how to be most effective in it are critical.

In addition to representing clients in Alternative Dispute Resolution proceedings, three of the members of the Bishop & Heintz firm, Patrick Heintz, Douglas Bishop and Steven Fox, currently serve as case evaluators for courts in northern Michigan. This service includes the 13th Circuit, 46th Circuit and 86th District Courts.

In addition, firm partner Douglas Bishop is a certified facilitative mediator, providing facilitative mediation services on a court-appointed, or individually contracted, basis. Facilitative mediation is a process which assists persons involved in a dispute to reach their own resolution. Mr. Bishop additionally is a qualified neutral arbitrator and member of the American Arbitration Association.

Mr. Bishop is available to serve as a mediator or arbitrator, either individually or as a member of a panel, throughout Michigan.