What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? - By Dr. Raphael Christopher
Last update: September 29, 2026
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What is Alternative Dispute Resolution
Dr Raphael Christopher ACIArb (UK), LLB (Hons), BL, CIM, PGCE, PGOSDC, FAETC, PTLLS, CELTA; Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enugu Branch; CEO, Just Arbitration Worldwide (JAW)
© 29th September 2026. All Rights Reserved.
JAW EDUCATIONAL SERIES — SERIES 1
Alternative Dispute Resolution, commonly known as ADR, refers to a range of structured processes for resolving disputes without relying exclusively on conventional court litigation.
The principal forms of ADR include negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication.
Each mechanism serves a different purpose.
Negotiation allows parties to communicate directly and attempt to reach an agreement. Mediation introduces an independent neutral who facilitates communication and assists the parties in exploring settlement. Conciliation similarly seeks to assist parties towards resolution, sometimes with a more interventionist role by the conciliator.
Arbitration is different. The parties appoint an independent arbitrator or tribunal to determine the dispute and issue an arbitral award in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
ADR is important because disputes can consume considerable amounts of time, money, management attention and commercial opportunity. Appropriate ADR mechanisms can provide parties with greater flexibility and, depending on the process and applicable law, confidentiality, specialist expertise and procedural efficiency.
ADR should therefore not be viewed simply as a way of avoiding the courts. It is better understood as part of a wider dispute-resolution ecosystem, where the appropriate mechanism is selected according to the nature, complexity, urgency and circumstances of the dispute.
For businesses, ADR can also form part of effective risk management and dispute prevention.
At Just Arbitration Worldwide (JAW), we believe that effective dispute resolution begins with understanding the dispute and selecting the appropriate pathway.
For all your arbitration and ADR needs, contact Just Arbitration Worldwide.
JAW — Your Gateway to Effective Arbitration and ADR.
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Written by Dr. Raphael Christopher
Posted by Babatimilehin kayode · Last updated: September 29, 2026
