Alternative Dispute Resolution

Are you involved in a legal dispute? The Law Society Singapore offers a range of alternative dispute resolution (‘ADR’) schemes to lawyers and their clients as well as to members of the public.

Overview of ADR Options & Schemes

Our schemes are meant for parties who wish for confidentiality & expert advice in a quick and cost-effective way. 

Benefits of Law Society's ADR Schemes

The Law Society’s alternative dispute resolution schemes provides options for parties to resolve their disputes out of court. 

It has become a popular choice for resolving disputes domestically and globally because it can help parties save time and costs as well as achieve better outcomes. Our goal is to promote alternative dispute resolution to facilitate public access to good quality justice at affordable rates.

All our panels consist of experienced, accredited practitioners with industry-specific knowledge. Some are also senior counsel, former judges or former judicial commissioners.

Our schemes are designed to resolve your disputes quickly and efficiently.

We provide access to justice at affordable prices.

Mediation Scheme

Appoint a mediator to facilitate the negotiation between parties to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution.

Parties are directly involved in the decision making process so that they have a better control over the outcome.

  • Preserving the relationship between parties.
  • Preventing minor disputes from escalating.
  • Private and confidential.

Arbitration Scheme

Appoint an arbitrator to make a final decision on the dispute (usually someone who has specialised knowledge and experience in a particular field or industry).

  • Decision made is final and binding.
  • Award rendered is enforceable in over 150 countries.
  • Private and confidential.

Neutral Evaluation & Determination Scheme

Neutral Evaluation

Appoint a neutral to evaluate the dispute for parties to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their own cases.

Advice given is non-binding. Parties can use the evaluation to know where they stand.

  • Preserving the relationship between parties.
  • Parties who wish to use the evaluation to decide on the next step.

Neutral Determination

Appoint a neutral to decide the dispute temporarily. If either party is unhappy with that decision, he/she can apply to an arbitrator or a court for a fresh decision.

  • Parties who want a temporary determination of their dispute quickly, whilst preserving the right to obtain a final resolution through arbitration or court proceedings.

Family Law - Mediation/Natural Evaluation Scheme

Disputes relating to family matters can be resolved through a mediation scheme or a neutral evaluation scheme. 

Community Disputes

Facing disagreements or conflicts within your community? Whether it’s noise, smoke, trespassing, or neighbourly disputes, finding a solution doesn’t have to involve lengthy legal battles.

The Law Society of Singapore offers two effective and affordable alternative dispute resolution services to help you reach mutually agreeable outcomes.

Personal Injury and Property Damage

These types of disputes also have mediation or neutral evaluation schemes – LSMS / LSNEDS – PIPD.