Cooperative practice is a flexible, confidential process where the parties work together to resolve their differences actively assisted by their lawyers, who use a variety negotiation techniques and strategies.
The use of Cooperative Practice can reduce the time and expense of lengthy litigation and is gaining favor across the country. While attorneys and their clients agree to cooperate to reach a fair resolution, each attorney remains committed to representing their client's interests and can use the Court system, if necessary, to do so.
Many Minnesota attorneys are committed to using Cooperative Practice as a method of resolving disputes.
A roster of attorneys who are experienced dispute resolution advocates involved in Cooperative Practice is available, as is a list of other professionals, such as mediators, neutrals, and financial advisors. Generally, the parties sign a Participation Agreement which outlines how they plan to proceed. Clients/parties gain insight into the process and into how much control they have over the process. However, if it becomes obvious that the parties have reached an impasse, they can use the Court system as an additional resource.
Minnesota Lawyers increasingly find this process to be effective.
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
□ Early Neutral Evaluation
□ Arbitration
□ Private Judging (Consensual Special Magistrates)
□ Cooperative Litigation
