Negotiation is an informal method in which parties involved in a dispute discuss and attempt to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

• Advantages: It is usually the fastest, least expensive, and most flexible method. It allows parties to maintain control over the outcome and preserve business relationships.
• Best for: Simple misunderstandings, contractual disagreements, or disputes where both parties are open to compromise.

Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps facilitate communication between the disputing parties to reach a voluntary agreement.

• Advantages: It is confidential, preserves relationships, and is generally less expensive than litigation. The mediator does not make a decision but guides the parties toward a solution.
• Best for: Employment, partnership, or customer disputes where the parties are open to dialogue but need assistance resolving.

Arbitration includes a neutral third-party arbitrator who hears arguments and evidence from both sides and then makes a binding or non-binding decision based on the evidence presented.

• Advantages: It is typically faster and less formal than litigation, with more flexibility in scheduling. Arbitration is also private, and decisions are usually binding, preventing further legal action.
• Best for: Disputes involving contracts with an arbitration clause, such as vendor agreements, employment contracts, or IP-related issues.

Litigation involves taking the dispute to court, where a judge (and sometimes a jury) hears the case and issues a legally binding ruling.

• Advantages: Court decisions are enforceable, and litigation may be necessary for certain disputes requiring a precedent or legal authority. It is often the best route for high-stakes disputes or when the parties cannot reach a resolution through other means.
• Best for: Serious disputes involving large amounts of money, intellectual property infringement, or complex legal issues.

Collaborative law is a structured process in which each party has its own legal counsel and agrees to work together to reach a resolution without going to court.

• Advantages: It is non-adversarial and aims to preserve business relationships, focusing on mutually beneficial solutions.
• Best for: Situations where parties wish to avoid the adversarial nature of court proceedings, like shareholder disputes or business partnership disagreements.

In Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE), a neutral evaluator assesses the facts and gives an opinion on each party's case's strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation can help parties reach a settlement.

• Advantages: Provides an early assessment, which can prompt quicker settlement discussions and save time and money compared to full litigation.
• Best for: Complex commercial disputes, where an early opinion can help guide the parties toward a realistic settlement.

A mini-trial is an informal, shortened version of a trial where solicitors present cases to representatives from each party (often executives) and a neutral advisor who helps facilitate a settlement.

• Advantages: It allows decision-makers to see the strengths and weaknesses of each side's case, which can promote settlement.
• Best for: Corporate disputes where executives must make informed decisions without going through the entire litigation process.

Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) uses digital platforms to facilitate dispute resolution, often for issues that can be handled remotely, such as minor e-commerce disputes or simple contractual matters.

• Advantages: It's convenient, fast, and can be done anywhere, making it cost-effective for more minor disputes or those involving geographically distant parties.
• Best for: Small business or consumer disputes, especially those arising from online transactions.