State of the ADR Industry: What’s Shaping 2026 and Why It Matters Now

Alternative dispute resolution continues to evolve as organizations face growing pressure to manage risk, control costs, and resolve disputes more efficiently. Shifting expectations around speed, fairness, technology use, and client outcomes are reshaping how disputes are handled—and what legal and business leaders must prepare for next.

Many corporate legal teams are navigating increased caseloads, heightened scrutiny around dispute outcomes, and uncertainty about which resolution approaches best support business objectives.

This webcast will explore the current state of the ADR landscape, examining adoption trends, efficiency benchmarks, and the role of technology and process design in shaping results. Attendees will gain practical insight into what the data from a recent study reveals about dispute resolution today—and what it signals for the year ahead.

By attending, you will:

• Gain insight into key trends influencing dispute resolution practices in 2026
• Understand how efficiency, timing, and outcomes are being measured across ADR approaches
• Explore how data is informing decision-making for both firms and corporate legal teams
• Learn where technology and process innovation are having the greatest impact, but why human judgement still matters
• Identify considerations for aligning dispute resolution strategies with business priorities

Speakers:

• Tomek Jankowski (Moderator) | Director, Pacesetter Research | ALM

• Elizabeth Carter, Esq | Senior Vice President, Operations | JAMS 

  Elizabeth Carter, Esq., is the senior vice president of the East/Central Region of JAMS. Carter oversees operations for JAMS in the central and eastern U.S., and she is responsible for creating new business opportunities. She is actively involved in marketing and business development initiatives.

  As a leader, Carter develops and empowers high-performing teams and brings experience managing diverse groups across multiple functions and geographic markets. Recognized for her honesty, decisiveness and sense of humor, she has a record of success strengthening business unit performance, stimulating revenue growth and improving operational efficiency. Her legal background includes expertise in ADR and working with high-growth organizations to craft risk-averse strategies affecting people, process and performance. She is also a liaison to the general counsel’s office with respect to preliminary rule and administrative determinations on individual arbitration matters. 

• Gina Miller | Senior Vice President, Operations | JAMS

  Gina Miller is a leader within the ADR industry and has deep experience with mediation and arbitration practices. Miller has contributed greatly to the practice of ADR in the United States by developing numerous programs to train neutrals in marketing, business development and mediation skills.

  As senior vice president, Miller oversees operations for JAMS in California, Washington, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona. She is responsible for creating new business opportunities and oversees the implementation of regional and national initiatives. She collaborates with other JAMS executives to establish strategic business initiatives and is accountable for the national client experience initiative and virtual operations. She is the chair of the regional advisory committee, which works to enhance panel recruitment and overall panel relations. Miller serves as the co-chair of the national operations committee on implementing company policies and is a board member of the company's DE&I committee.