This study examines lawyers’ perceptions on alternative dispute resolution, which was conducted in 2019-2020 through an innovative data collection and analysis approach.

The results of the research are based on the survey of 198 lawyers including their narratives. At the final stage, recommendations were elaborated by the group of stakeholders as part of specific actions to address identified issues.

Key findings:

• To the majority of respondents, mediation does not seem to hinder or compete with their occupation (as lawyers).
• Most of the lawyers who chose to settle out of court, did so because they considered it best for their clients.
• In most reported cases clients’ trust in mediation helped to settle a dispute out of court.
• The majority of respondents believe that a successful outcome for all parties is a mutually acceptable solution.
• The majority of respondents believe that exercising their decision-making power and an informal setting is important for the parties.
• 84% of the respondents who reported using mediation do not regret it.
• Direct negotiation, mediation, and litigation have been reported as the most used resolution models.

The report was elaborated by Anna Hanchar a social science researcher with the assistance from the European Union (EU) and UNDP.