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How do I commence a case?

• Self-Search of CPR's Neutrals Database:  To conduct your query, click here.

• Pre-Qualified List of Neutrals: To obtain bios of CPR credentialed neutrals with pre-determined qualifications, send your request and a non-refundable fee of $1,500 to the address below. >learn more
  
  
• Mediation: To obtain the appointment of a mediator, send your request and a $925 ($750 for Franchise Mediation) non-refundable deposit to the address below. Please include contact information for all parties, including email addresses. >learn more
  
  
• Arbitration: For assistance in selecting an arbitrator or tribunal, send your Notice of Arbitration and, if available, the Statement of Defense, along with a $1,000 non-refundable deposit to the address below. Please include contact information for all parties, including email addresses. >learn more
  
  
• For assistance with any other procedures or services, contact CPR's DRS Department at CPRNeutrals@cpradr.org. >learn more

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Why use CPR?
CPR believes in empowering our constituents to effectively address and resolve complex business disputes.  Membership in CPR offers unlimited and unrestricted access to the most comprehensive suite of commercial dispute resolution resources and services available…anywhere in the world.

CPR’s multi-faceted approach to conflict resolution features a broad spectrum of ADR-related services, resources and tools designed to streamline and elevate the practice of law.  CPR’s approach assures:

• Control: The parties are in complete control of the neutral selection of process and only access CPR’s assistance upon request.
• Efficiency: After selection, the neutral and parties can readily agree on procedures, schedules and the like without the intervention of third-party administrative staff.
• Flexibility: Parties maintain maximum ability to create an ADR process that best suits their dispute, or the freedom to amend it to meet their circumstances.

How does CPR help eliminate unnecessary administrative charges?

• No extra fees: Once the Neutral is selected, the parties pay only the Neutral's fees.  CPR takes no part of the Neutral's fees and only requires the neutral to pay a nominal annual fee.  Some of our neutrals charge additional administrative fees.
• Cost effective:  A survey spanning five years indicates that 430 of the companies using CPR Panelists estimated legal cost savings totaling over $65 million, with an average cost savings of more than $152,000 per company. Although these figures are substantial, they are likely a fraction of overall cost savings resulting from CPR Panels activity because they represent only those cases where CPR was requested to assist in the selection of a Neutral.

How do CPR's mediation and arbitration procedures work?
Once the Neutral is selected through CPR’s data base search and nomination process, it becomes the Neutral's responsibility to handle administrative matters (such as arranging meeting dates and locations) in consultation with the parties. CPR Neutrals are highly experienced in ADR processes and skilled at arbitration and mediation case management.

Is it necessary to be a CPR member in order to use CPR's neutral-selection services?
No.

Will CPR assist the parties after selection of the Neutral?
Absolutely. CPR staff stands ready to assist parties and/or the Neutral should any unanticipated matter occur or should it become necessary to select a replacement Neutral. >more  This assistance includes processing challenges by a party to an already selected arbitrator. In addition, there will be some situations in which limited administration may be necessary for a given type of case or case load. >more

Who are CPR's Panelists?
CPR’s proprietary Panels of Distinguished Neutrals comprise the ADR elite.  They include nationally and internationally prominent attorneys, retired state and federal judges, academics, and highly-skilled business executives, legal experts, and ADR professionals who are particularly qualified to resolve complex business disputes involving multi-national corporations or issues of public sensitivity. Focusing in 20+ business practice areas, CPR’s arbitrators and mediators have provided resolutions in thousands of cases, with billions of dollars at issue, worldwide. >more

When you engage a CPR panelist, you can be assured of a highly-qualified professional who has been both peer-reviewed and, more importantly, user-approved for excellence.  CPR’s Panel credentialing process is rigorous and comprehensive; resulting in a world-class list of the most seasoned and credentialed neutrals, categorized by industry, practice-area, and expertise. >more

Are panelists grouped by specialty or geographic location?
Yes.

• CPR’s Global Panel contains neutrals located outside of the United States.
• CPR's Cross Border Panel contains U.S.-based neutrals experienced in transnational or cross border disputes.
• CPR’s U.S. Regional Panels contains highly-regarded leaders of the bench, bar and academia from major cities throughout the U.S. who are available to resolve complex business and public disputes nationwide.
• CPR’s Specialized Panels are assembled in response to CPR member requests and currently focus on 20+ areas of expertise.  

Recognition by the courts: The CPR Panels roster has been used by the courts to identify special masters and as a resource for other public appointments.

How is a neutral added to CPR's Panels?
CPR invites high-quality neutrals to apply to the Panel and reviews unsolicited applications received through the website here.  Admission to one of CPR Specialty Panels may also include review by a select panel of high-end users, peers and/or academics. Candidates are screened for their ADR expertise and training, and candidate references are asked to comment specifically on the applicant’s qualifications to serve on large complex commercial disputes. Qualification to the CPR roster is demanding and available openings are very limited.

How do I find a Mediator or Arbitrator without direct CPR assistance?
Rosters, names and locations of panelists, and biographical statements are available to CPR Members on the CPR website. Non-Members are invited to contact Olivier Andre at oandre@cpradr.org or +1.646.753.8241 for assistance finding a neutral.  A fee applies.

Once the Parties agree on a Neutral from the Web site, they may simply contact him or her directly without CPR's involvement if they wish. CPR receives no fee and asks only that the Parties and the Panelist inform us as to the assignment.

How do I find a Mediator or Arbitrator using CPR’s assistance?
The challenge of selecting the best mediator or arbitrator for your particular need can be made easier with CPR’s services.  With CPR, you are assured that the nominated neutrals have been thoroughly pre-screened and reviewed for your specific requirements. >more

Parties rely on CPR as a source of uniquely sophisticated and independent advice concerning neutral selection for complex, high-end commercial disputes.  CPR has the experience, credentials and processes in place to help select the right mix of neutrals for a wide variety of case matters.

What is the process?

Step 1	CPR works with counsel to develop a detailed profile of the qualifications and experience of the neutral/s needed.  This due diligence also includes a discussion of the complexity and issues involved in the dispute and the potential for resolution. At this time, parties agree on a venue and a time period for hearing the matter (if not already confirmed).  Parties can also agree on special queries to be made to the candidates.
Step 2	CPR searches its database, including a thorough review of the neutrals’ substantive and procedural qualifications, to identify neutrals who best meet the parties’ desired requirements.
Step 3	CPR prepares a list of potential neutrals and queries them to determine their availability and willingness to serve, as well as to identify any potential conflicts. Any special queries are made at this time.
Step 4	Based on the responses received to its neutrals query, CPR provides parties with a list of candidates who are conflict-free and available for the hearing calendar window that the parties prefer. The list is submitted together with biographical information, hourly rates, any disclosures, and responses to special queries.
Step 5	Absent party agreement to a different process, if parties are unable to agree on a neutral from the list, they rank their preferences, and CPR selects the nominee with the highest combined ranking.
Step 6	CPR notifies the selected panelist, who contacts counsel directly to begin the dispute resolution process. The neutral assumes responsibility for both directing and administering the ADR proceedings.
Step 7	CPR remains available to address later arising challenges.

How long does the selection process take?
Typically, all steps are completed and the neutral is selected and assigned to the case within three weeks. Of course, in an emergency, the process can be completed even more quickly.

How do I provide that future disputes will be resolved by CPR Panels?
Include a contract clause providing that all disputes arising out of the agreement will be resolved by the CPR Panels using CPR's procedures. Sample clauses and procedures can be found under the Clauses & Rules section of the website here.