Benefits of NAM's Employment Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program
An exceptional national panel and a preferred Hearing Officer selection procedure.
NAM can provide several different panels of Employment Hearing Officers within 50 miles of any location in which an Employee works, worked or sought to be employed, anywhere in the United States. In fact, NAM will provide up to three panels to help ensure that all parties are satisfied with the choice of the Hearing Officer. This practice differs from other ADR companies who provide a limited number of panels and many times ultimately select the Hearing Officer because the parties cannot agree on a Hearing Officer.
NAM’s Employment Hearing Officers are practicing employment specialists with a strong belief in the effectiveness and efficiency of the arbitration/mediation process. For the most part, they only hear employment matters. As such, each case is taken very seriously and the NAM Employment Hearing Officers are very aware of the intricacies and deadlines associated with these types of cases.
All NAM Employment Hearing Officers are independent contractors and not officers, employees or owners of NAM. We believe this approach provides the most pristine forum by eliminating any issues relating to how a decision will affect future case referrals from a client that has the potential to refer more cases to the ADR company. By design, we avoid this potential conflict of interest.
Most NAM Employment Hearing Officers will hear only one matter for any corporate entity, thereby eliminating any perceived conflict of interest.
Rules and Procedures that ensure the integrity of the process.
As NAM has invested significant time and resources into attracting the highest quality of Employment Hearing Officers for its employment panels, NAM’s philosophy is that the Hearing Officer, rather than NAM as the Administrator, should resolve all issues relating to an employment matter. This is in contrast to ADR companies that “insert” themselves into the process. In our view, we do not believe that such a practice is an acceptable approach. The Employment Hearing Officer, as an expert in employment law and having been selected by the parties, in our view, is the appropriate individual to address case issues. Therefore, once a case has been commenced, NAM’s role is solely that of an Administrator. However, NAM does have the authority to disqualify a Hearing Officer if we believe his/her neutrality has been compromised or if a conflict arises.
Expertise in administrating employment dispute resolution cases.
With respect to case administration, we provide the highest level of service as a single Case Manager is assigned to each case. Our Case Managers have significant experience in administrating employment matters and are available to all the parties and the Employment Hearing Officer throughout the case to ensure that all matters run smoothly. In fact, NAM’s clients have been very vocal about NAM’s capabilities in administrating their matters in a timely, efficient and appropriate manner.
Simple, low-cost fee structure.
The NAM fee structure is simple and direct. We do not have “nuisance” charges that, in the aggregate, can be substantial. In other words, there are no hidden costs.
Unlike other arbitration institutions, NAM does not require a significant upfront retainer to commence a dispute resolution proceeding. Additionally, our fees are much more affordable as well.