ADR Section Supports ODR

The Florida Supreme Court last month extended the public comment deadline on a rules petition designed to promote greater use of remote technology or online dispute resolution (ODR) in court proceedings, including mediation. Specifically, the COVID-19 Workgroup’s proposed rules changes begin with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530, Communications Technology. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section's Executive Council has now filed a comment on behalf of its members in support of the continued use of remote technology. This was done after surveying members about personal experiences with remote proceedings over the past eighteen months of the coronavirus pandemic and their opinions regarding the proposed rules changes. The Florida Bar ADR Section favors enhancing the dispute resolution process through modernization while also increasing efficiency and lowering costs for the participants. It appears the Proposed Rules will assist to meet that goal, and as such the ADR Section supports the Workgroup proposed changes to Rules 1.700, 1.720, 1.730, 1.750, 9.700, 9.720, and 9.740 with the changes suggested through an official comment filed. The use of communication technology and remote participation at mediation and arbitration provides ready access to these proceedings by adding an additional means to attend and often lowers barriers to participation. Scheduling is easier when travel time is eliminated. The cost of attending is less when there are no lodging and parking costs either. Any early concerns as to communication technology and security have been addressed to the satisfaction of most practitioners and participants. The ADR Section also anticipates that these systems will continue to evolve and improve over time. See more here-- https://bit.ly/2V1hGll