The October issue of Arizona Attorney Magazine includes a variety of content dedicated to alternatives to trial: mediation, arbitration and even a Guide that contains information about people and companies who can help with your ADR needs.

Here are some links to Community Mediation organizations, which may assist you or your clients:

Coconino County Superior Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program

Flagstaff

(928) 779-6805

Sedona Mediation Services

Sedona

(928) 204-7127

Surprise Community Mediation Program

Surprise

(623) 222-3242

Solve-It! Community Mediation Service

Mesa

(480) 732-7296

Community Mediation Program

Tucson

(520) 323-1708 ext. 504

On October 6, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon declared Mediation Week, which will occur October 16-22. What follows are the remarks of President Joe Kanefield at the proclamation ceremony at Phoenix City Hall:

Phoenix Mayor Declares Mediation Week

Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 9 a.m.

Phoenix City Hall – Mayor’s Conference Room

Remarks by Joe Kanefield, President, State Bar of Arizona

Thank you, Mayor Gordon, for your willingness to declare Mediation Week as October 16 through 22, 2011, and for working with the State Bar of Arizona to raise awareness of the importance of mediation and conflict resolution.

As a public official, your support of mediation week and the legal profession is a fine example of your leadership and commitment to help educate members of the communities you serve.

Thank you also to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section of the State Bar of Arizona for promoting the advancement of ADR and the services that are available to citizens, families, businesses and government bodies.

ADR Section members maintain their commitment to advancing the practice and supporting the principles of mediation, arbitration and alternative procedures to resolving legal issues in a civil manner.

Their efforts align with the Bar’s overall mission to enhance the administration of justice

As we gather today to commemorate Mediation Week, I’d like to give a brief overview of ADR.

ADR recognizes that not all cases are suitable for sometimes costly and time consuming trials, and it institutionalizes mediation as one of many appropriate dispute resolution processes.

ADR is a practice that allows members of the legal profession to encourage the use of dialogue, problem solving, and other collaborative practices when attempting to resolve legal issues outside of the courtroom. It promotes civil and peaceful conflict resolution.

October has become a time to promote and celebrate peaceful conflict resolution worldwide. Mediation Week is celebrated on a local, national and international level from October 16 through 22. We join the American Bar Association and celebrate this week to educate the public about mediation and other innovative conflict management processes.