Alternative dispute resolution

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) clauses in contracts stipulate that parties will use methods like mediation or arbitration to resolve disputes instead of turning to litigation. These clauses aim to expedite conflict resolution, reduce legal costs, and maintain more amicable business relationships.

12 Alternative dispute resolution examples

  • Description
    “Claim” shall mean with respect to a Covered Event: any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or any hearing, inquiry or investigation that Indemnitee in good faith believes might lead to the institution of any such action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other.
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    MONOLITHIC POWER SYSTEMS INC (MPWR)
  • Description
    lternative Dispute Resolution: You agree to submit to Synchrony’s internal alternative dispute resolution process, “Resolution”, which includes final and binding arbitration, any claims not released by this Agreement and covered by the Resolution process, or any claims that arise after the date you sign this Agreement, to the maximum extent permitted by law. You understand this means you are giving up the right to a jury trial for any claims not released by this Agreement or that arise after the Effective Date, to the maximum extent permitted by law, and that all such claims submitted to arbitration pursuant to the Resolution process will be decided solely by an arbitrator. If you need another copy of the Resolution guidelines, you can access it online, if available, or ask your Human Resource Manager (or that person’s successor, if that person is no longer in the role) for a copy.
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    Synchrony Financial (SYF, SYF-PA)
  • Description
    (c) “Expenses” shall mean any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees and all other costs, expenses and obligations) incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, to be a witness in or to participate in, any action, suit, proceeding, alternative dispute resolution mechanism, hearing, inquiry or investigation, whether formal or informal in connection with the Cloud B Shares. 
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    EDISON NATION, INC. (EDNT)
  • Description
    Indemnification of Expenses. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law if Indemnitee was or is or becomes a party to or witness or other participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or witness or other participant in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or any hearing, inquiry or investigation that Indemnitee in good faith believes might lead to the institution of any such action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other (hereinafter a "Claim") by reason of (or arising in part out of) any event or occurrence related to the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while serving in such capacity (hereinafter an "Indemnifiable Event" ) against any and all expenses (including attorneys' fees and all other costs, expenses and obligations incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness in or participate in, any such action, suit, proceeding, alternative dispute resolution mechanism, hearing, inquiry or investigation), losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (if such settlement is approved in advance by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) of such Claim and any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses (collectively, hereinafter "Expenses") if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action, suit or proceeding, Indemnitee had no reasonable cause to believe Indem
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    MARIZYME INC (MRZM)
  • Description
    Executive agrees that he shall, to the extent reasonably requested by the Company, cooperate with the Company in any pending or future charge, complaint, litigation (including alternative dispute resolution) or investigation and regarding which Executive was involved during the course of his work with the Company and is reasonably expected to have knowledge or information, or in which Executive did or is alleged to have participated during his employment with the Company. Executive   5 further agrees that in any such litigation (including alternative dispute resolution) or investigation, he will, without the necessity of a subpoena, provide truthful testimony relevant to the litigation (including alternative dispute resolution) or investigation in any jurisdiction in which the Company requests. the Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in complying with this Section to the extent such expenses are authorized by the Company in advance. The Company and Executive acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Section 6 of this Agreement nor any other provision of this Agreement affects Executive’s obligations to cooperate with any government investigation or to respond truthfully to any lawful governmental inquiry or to give truthful testimony in court.
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    SCANSOURCE, INC. (SCSC)
  • Description
    It is further agreed that the Company shall be entitled to seek such equitable relief in any forum, including a court of law, notwithstanding the provisions of any arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution provisions or agreement between the undersigned and the Company.
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    REDWOOD TRUST INC (RWT, RWT-PA)
  • Description
    Restrictive Covenants; Arbitration. The Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant’s right to receive the Award Shares and any DER payments is subject to and conditioned upon the Participant’s continued compliance with the restrictive covenants contained in Exhibit A attached hereto. In addition, the Participant agrees and acknowledges that, subject to the “Injunctive Relief” provisions of Exhibit A attached hereto, any dispute arising with respect to this Award and this Award Agreement will be subject to the Alternative Dispute Resolution provisions set forth in an Employment and Confidentiality Agreement (or any other arbitration or alternative dispute resolution provisions or agreements) by and between the Participant and the Company.
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    REDWOOD TRUST INC (RWT, RWTN, RWT-PA)
  • Description
    (b) “Claim” shall mean with respect to a Covered Event: any threatened, asserted, pending or completed action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or any hearing, inquiry or investigation (formal or informal) that Indemnitee [(or in the case of a Fund Indemnitor (as defined in Section 18 below) seeking to be indemnified, a Fund Indemnitor)]1 in good faith believes might lead to the institution of any such action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other, including any appeal therefrom.
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    Corsair Gaming, Inc.
  • Description
    (e)            “Expense Advance” shall mean a payment to Indemnitee for Expenses pursuant to Section 3 hereof, in advance of the settlement of or final judgment in any action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, hearing, inquiry or investigation, which constitutes a Claim.
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    Acurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC
  • Description
    1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:   “Claim” means:   (a) any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, proceeding, or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative, or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state, or other law; or             (b) any inquiry, hearing, or investigation that Indemnitee determines might lead to the institution of any such action, suit, proceeding, or alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
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    Transportation & Logistics Systems, Inc. (TLSS)
  • Description
    Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, this Alternative Dispute Resolution provision does not apply to: (a) any claim by Employee for medical and disability benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act or unemployment compensation benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Act; (b) any Charge of Discrimination filed by Employee against the Company with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, or charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board under the National Labor Relations Act; or (c) any claim by the Company for injunctive or equitable relief, including without limitation claims related to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, trade secrets, intellectual property, unfair competition, breach of the non-solicitation covenant, or breach of the non-competition covenant.
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    Oak Street Health, Inc. (OSH)
  • Description
    8. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the maximum extent permitted by the DGCL, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee or on the Indemnitee’s behalf if the Indemnitee appears as a witness or otherwise incurs legal expenses as a result of or related to the Indemnitee’s service as a director or officer of the Company, in any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, judicial, administrative, or legislative hearing, or any other threatened, pending, or completed proceeding, whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, investigative, or other nature, to which the Indemnitee neither is, nor is threatened to be made, a party.
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    Chobani Inc.

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a variety of processes designed to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation. These processes are usually less formal, more flexible, and quicker than traditional court procedures. Common forms of ADR include mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and conciliation. ADR aims to provide a more amicable solution, potentially preserving relationships between the disputing parties.

When Should I Use Alternative Dispute Resolution?

ADR is suitable in several scenarios, including but not limited to:

  • Commercial Disputes: When businesses aim to resolve conflicts without damaging their commercial relationships.
  • Workplace Conflicts: To address grievances between employees and employers discreetly.
  • Family Matters: Such as divorce or custody agreements, to avoid painful court battles.
  • Consumer Disputes: Between customers and service providers, especially when the amounts involved do not justify the costs of litigation.

How Do I Write Alternative Dispute Resolution Clauses?

When drafting ADR clauses for a contract, consider the following elements:

  • Scope: Clearly define which disputes the ADR process will cover.
  • Type of ADR: Specify whether disputes will be resolved through mediation, arbitration, or another form of ADR.
  • Rules and Procedures: Mention any governing bodies or specific rules that will apply (e.g., under the American Arbitration Association).
  • Choice of Arbitrator/Mediator: Outline how the neutral third-party will be selected.
  • Location and Language: State where the ADR process will take place and in which language.
  • Binding/Non-binding: Indicate whether the ADR outcome will be legally binding.

Sample Clause

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this agreement, including its breach, shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

Which Contracts Typically Contain Alternative Dispute Resolution Clauses?

ADR clauses are commonly found in various types of contracts, such as:

  • Commercial Contracts: Including partnership agreements, service contracts, and joint ventures.
  • Employment Contracts: To handle disputes related to employment terms, harassment, or wrongful termination.
  • Real Estate Agreements: Disputes regarding property sales, leases, or construction contracts.
  • Consumer Contracts: Terms of service agreements for products or digital services.
  • International Trade Contracts: To address jurisdictional issues and expedite resolutions in multiple jurisdictions.

By incorporating an ADR clause, parties can establish a predictable and efficient method for resolving potential disputes, often leading to more satisfactory outcomes for all involved.

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