Litigation and dispute resolution encompass the various legal processes and methods used to settle conflicts between parties. Litigation involves bringing disputes before a court of law, where judges or juries adjudicate based on presented evidence and legal arguments. It is a formal and structured process that aims to provide a definitive resolution and can establish legal precedents.

On the other hand, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods offer alternatives to litigation that are generally less adversarial, more flexible, and often faster and more cost-effective. ADR includes techniques such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law. These methods prioritize reaching mutually agreeable solutions outside of court, often with the assistance of neutral third parties.

The choice between litigation and ADR depends on various factors, including the nature and complexity of the dispute, the preferences of the parties involved, the urgency of resolving the issue, and considerations of cost and confidentiality. In many cases, parties may choose to use a combination of litigation and ADR, such as attempting mediation before pursuing litigation or incorporating arbitration clauses into contracts to resolve potential disputes efficiently.

Overall, both litigation and ADR play essential roles in resolving disputes within the legal system, offering parties different avenues to achieve fair and effective resolutions based on their specific needs and circumstances.