Member Richard Rhyne (Kansas City - Construction) has authored the guide "Understanding ADR," published this month by a division of Thomson West Publishing as a chapter in the Inside the Minds legal series. The book, Alternative Dispute Resolution Client Strategies, collects expert analytical advice on various aspects of alternative dispute resolution, and is available through Thomson West's Aspatore Books imprint.

"Among the biggest mistakes that a client can make with regard to ADR is a lack of patience with the mediation process (...) and a lack of understanding of what the process is all about," Rhyne writes. "In many cases, the client representative who is going through the mediation process and has the ultimate settlement authority is a key decision maker -- not just in the mediation setting, but also for his company on a day-to-day management basis." Rhyne then navigates the reader through many potential perils to a hasty approach to mediation, and alerts in-house counsel to opportunities to best serve their companies through alternative means of resolving conflicts.

Rhyne has more than 25 years of experience in representing construction contractors, insurance and surety bond companies and other corporate clients in multi-million dollar commercial disputes.  He has participated in more than 50 arbitrations as either counsel or arbitrator and more than 100 mediations as mediator. He is listed in the American Arbitration Association Panels of Arbitrators and Mediators, is on the roster of neutrals for Missouri Supreme Court Rule 17 and is a Certified Neutral with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

This latest book on ADR features partners and chairs from some of the nation’s leading law firms, guiding the reader through the intricacies of dispute resolution and identifies the important differences and similarities between arbitration, mediation, and the less known mini-trial. These authors discuss several key advantages for using ADR versus litigation, such as confidentiality, producing an expedited resolution and eliminating extreme costs. From understanding a client’s motivations to preparing for arbitration or mediation, these top practitioners discuss how to effectively use the dual role of advocate and counselor to determine the best course of action to take for a dispute.

Additionally, Rhyne and his co-authors reveal their techniques for formulating a strategy, establishing client-attorney relationships, eliminating bad facts, and finding creative solutions to best meet the client’s ultimate goals. According to the publisher, "The different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great legal minds of today as these experienced lawyers offer up their thoughts around the keys to success within this ever-evolving field."

About Lathrop & Gage: A leading Midwest full-service law firm, Lathrop & Gage L.C. has 280 attorneys in 10 offices nationwide – from Denver, Colo., to New York, N.Y. In 2007, Chambers USA ranked Lathrop & Gage’s corporate, environmental, intellectual property, litigation, real estate and labor and employment teams among the best in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.lathropgage.com or www.beentherewonthat.com.