Arbitration & Mediation

Ken Adams -- That's Conflict PREVENTION and Resolution

By Victoria Pynchon

My only regret about leaving legal practice when I did is that I did so before Ken Adams started the AdamsDrafting Blog.  Now he's made me doubly regretful, having published A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting, Second Edition.  See the ABA Q&A with Adams here.

One of the panels that uses my services is the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution ("CPR").  No other ADR panel I'm aware of preaches PREVENTION the way CPR does. 

The best means of preventing conflict from ripening into a dispute?  Clear communication.  And the best way to make sure your business deal is durable?  Clear contract drafting.

I've got Ken's book on my nightstand (did anyone ever SAY I wasn't geeky?).  You should have it on your desk and more importantly, open and in your hand even when writing confirming letters.  It's full of great dispute prevention strategies and tactics. 

Full post as published by Settle It Now Negotiation Blog on September 30, 2008 (boomark / email).