Dispute Resolution Panels usually consist of three people – an arbitrator, a mediator, and a subject matter expert – who sit as a unit and make collective findings. The results can either be binding or for the general information and education of the disputants.

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Balance, Control, and Flexibility

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Dispute resolution panels offer all the control and flexibility of mediation and arbitration, but with findings rendered by a panel of conflict management experts with varying degrees of subject matter expertise. Conflicting parties agree to the hearing’s terms beforehand, including the panel’s composition, procedures, confidentiality, and whether or not to be bound by the findings, which ensures that the process is non-adversarial and produces an informed, balanced decision.

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Ideally Suited to Corporate Disputes

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Being able to choose a panel with industry-specific expertise is especially important in corporate disputes. In addition, dispute resolution panels are often preferred in disputes involving international transactions, as all parties may not be familiar with the rules and procedures of a foreign court system, which puts them at a disadvantage. 

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Always an Option

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Often, dispute resolution panels aren’t necessarily the first method that parties utilize to resolve their dispute. If requested, mediation can be attempted first, and if that doesn’t work, the mediator (with insight) can then transition to the panel. This then adds another level of subject matter expertise to a process that already leverages someone with relevant knowledge of the dispute’s circumstances (subject matter expert).

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Among Alberta’s First to offer DRP

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The Negotiators is one of the first organizations in Alberta to offer dispute resolution panels as an option for our clients. Our mediators and arbitrators have sat on countless panels and bring that experience to every dispute.

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Areas where dispute resolution panels are especially useful include:

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• Antitrust

• Breach of Contract

• Commercial Disputes (including International)

• Employment

• Government

• Healthcare

• Insurance

• Intellectual Property

• International/Bilateral Agreements

• Labor Disputes

• Malpractice

• Real Estate

• Securities

• Trade