Press & News

John Sherrill Quoted in the Atlanta Business Chronicle
02/06/2006

John Sherrill was quoted in the January 27, 2006 issue of the Atlanta Business Chronicle in an article (“Arbitration vs. litigation: Which is more effective?”) which examines alternative methods of dispute resolution to avoid lengthy and costly litigation. One alternative, arbitration, has increased in popularity in recent years. In arbitration, both parties hire a neutral arbitrator to hear basic evidence in a case and render a decision that cannot be appealed. But arbitration has its drawbacks.

One complaint about arbitration is that, depending on the extent of discovery involved, it can be as expensive as litigation, John pointed out. “A lot of people then think you have the disadvantage of both: the lack of appeal and the time and expense.”

While the binding aspects of arbitration have given rise to debate, the article concludes, the real trend in alternative dispute resolution is toward mediation, in which the parties in dispute participate in the result instead of surrendering to a third party.

“Although mediation carries far fewer risks than arbitration,” the article concludes, “its potential rewards can be more limited. Because both sides must make concessions for a mediation to be successful, it’s unlikely it will result in a definitive winner.”