Since March 1993, ADR Options Inc has handled approximately 30,000 dispute resolution cases, making it one of the most experienced neutral services operating out of Philadelphia.
Introduction
ADR Options Inc is not a law firm. It is a neutral dispute resolution service founded in March 1993 by Thomas Rutter, a licensed attorney, and Michael Carney, an MBA. The distinction matters: the organization exists specifically to stand apart from the parties and their counsel, offering objective processes for resolving disputes without courtroom litigation. Maggy Carney, who holds a BSEE and an MBA, has served as President since 2013. The firm operates from Philadelphia and has processed roughly 30,000 cases across its three decades of operation.
US News and World Report has recognized ADR Options with a Tier 1 Best Law Firm designation in arbitration and mediation. The Legal Intelligencer has awarded it a Silver Award for best ADR service annually since 2010. These recognitions reflect a track record built over a long period in a specific, demanding field.
Practice Areas
ADR Options offers a range of dispute resolution formats. Attorneys and parties select the process that fits the nature and stakes of their dispute.
Mediation
A neutral mediator works with both sides to reach a voluntary settlement. The mediator does not decide the outcome but facilitates structured dialogue to help parties find common ground. Mediation is commonly used in personal injury, employment, commercial, and family law disputes.
Binding Arbitration
An arbitrator hears the dispute and issues a binding decision. This process is faster and more private than courtroom litigation and produces a final, enforceable outcome. ADR Options arbitration follows the organization’s Rules of Procedure and applicable federal or state law.
High-Low Format Arbitration
This format caps the arbitrator’s award within agreed minimum and maximum figures. Both sides accept a floor and a ceiling before the arbitration begins, which limits exposure for the losing side while preserving the neutral decision-making process. ADR Options specifically recommends this format in many civil dispute contexts.
Mock Jury Trials
Mock jury trials allow attorneys to test how a real jury might respond to their case before committing to full trial. The feedback can reshape litigation strategy, settlement posture, or both.
Focus Groups
Focus groups provide a less formal testing environment. Attorneys can present elements of a case, arguments, or exhibits to a group and gather reactions without the structure of a full mock trial.
ADR Options handles matters across a wide range of dispute types, including personal injury, medical and legal malpractice, underinsured and uninsured motorist claims, property and casualty matters, general liability, professional liability, commercial disputes, employment issues, insurance coverage, workers’ compensation, contract disputes, and family law matters.
Location & Contact
ADR Options Inc is located at 1800 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 1110, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Phone: (215) 564-1775
Fax: (215) 564-1822
Website: adroptions.com
Client Focus
ADR Options serves attorneys representing clients on both sides of civil disputes, as well as parties who want to pursue resolution without litigation. The organization’s neutrality is its core asset. Because it has no stake in the outcome, both sides can engage the process with confidence that the forum is impartial. The range of formats available means that disputes of varying complexity and dollar value can be matched to an appropriate process.
Law firms managing large civil dockets, insurance companies handling multiple claims, and individual parties seeking faster resolution than the court system provides all fall within the organization’s client base. The organization recognizes that 98% of civil claims resolve before trial, often at the courthouse steps; ADR Options provides a structured, earlier alternative to that last-minute scramble.
FAQ
Is ADR Options a law firm?
No. ADR Options is a neutral dispute resolution service. It does not represent any party. Its role is to provide the process and the neutral decision-maker or mediator. Parties bring their own legal counsel to the proceedings.
What is high-low arbitration, and when does it make sense?
High-low arbitration sets agreed minimum and maximum award figures before the hearing begins. The arbitrator decides the case without knowing these figures, but the final award is adjusted to fall within the agreed range. It is useful when both sides want the certainty of a floor and ceiling rather than open-ended exposure.
How many cases has ADR Options handled?
Approximately 30,000 cases since the organization was founded in March 1993.
What awards has the organization received?
US News and World Report has recognized ADR Options with a Tier 1 Best Law Firm ranking in arbitration and mediation. The Legal Intelligencer has awarded it the Silver Award for best ADR service every year since 2010.
Who founded ADR Options, and who runs it now?
Thomas Rutter, JD, and Michael Carney, MBA, founded the organization in March 1993. Maggy Carney, BSEE MBA, has served as President since 2013.
Closing
Thirty-plus years of operation and 30,000 resolved cases are not numbers produced by accident. ADR Options was built around the premise that a specialized, experienced neutral organization produces better outcomes than ad hoc dispute resolution. For attorneys and parties evaluating their options outside the courtroom, that track record is the starting point. Contact ADR Options at (215) 564-1775 or visit adroptions.com.