Last week, the Legal Hackers convened at Projective Space to discuss the future of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for startup companies. Said organizer and moderator Giulio Zanolla:
#legalhack TIL 1/3 of start-ups fail due to internal founder issues…I can see that
— Rachel Kamerman (@sourire9182) July 4, 2013
Although established companies often have the resources to continue the success of their businesses, startups face an uncomfortable tension–when startup founders get into a seemingly insurmountable dispute, they are often faced with the temptation to end things before they get worse. Mr. Zanolla suggested that ADR may serve well in these uncomfortable situations.
Moderator Giulio: #ADR is a toolbox that allows #startup founders to make more rational decisions http://t.co/XEQZTb3l4w #LegalHack
— NY Legal Hackers (@legalhackNYC) July 3, 2013
As always, the Legal Hackers posed some fascinating questions to our panel. But the recurring theme of the evening was setting founder expectations early, properly preparing for disagreement, and using mechanisms that avoid the hot-headed and irrational decisions that come with dispute.
Question from audience: how important is it to be in same room? Answer: it can be very beneficial, but not always. Time matters. #LegalHack
— NY Legal Hackers (@legalhackNYC) July 4, 2013
Audience: Internet often comes up w/best practices, but not in the legal world. Why not? Answer: maybe in the next few years! #LegalHack
— NY Legal Hackers (@legalhackNYC) July 4, 2013
A huge thanks to our panelists for the evening:
Giulio Zanolla – Associate Mediator at Weinstein Melnick LLC
Vivek Boray – Partner at De Franceschi & Shefayee LLP
Jesse Sandoval – Co-Founder/CEO of MindSwell
Yaron Vilosny – Founder/CEO of JusticeBox.net
And a particularly huge thanks to our sponsor, JusticeBox!