FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AG THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 1995 (202) 514-2008 TDD (202) 514-1888 ATTORNEY GENERAL SELECTS STEENLAND TO HEAD ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Janet Reno announced today that Peter Steenland, Jr. will head the Department's Alternative Dispute Resolution program. His mission will be to promote the broader use of alternatives to litigation -- such as arbitration and mediation -- within the Department and throughout the federal government. "Peter Steenland brings a wealth of experience, energy and expertise to this job," said Reno. "These qualities will bolster our efforts to implement alternatives to prolonged and costly litigation." Steenland currently heads the Appellate Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division, a position he has held since 1977. He has been with the Department of Justice for more than 25 years. As Section Chief, Steenland has been deeply involved with cases resolved through mediation and other alternatives. In an April 6 Order, the Attorney General created the position of Senior Counsel for Alternative Dispute Resolution. The Order directs each civil litigating component, as well as the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, to develop criteria to help identify appropriate cases for resolution through settlement negotiations or formal ADR techniques. In addition, all civil attorneys will be required to attend comprehensive basic training in negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. "We are committed to alternative dispute resolution," Reno added. "It's cheaper. It's faster and more efficient. And most importantly, ADR offers access to justice for all Americans." (MORE) The Department, with the Administrative Conference of the United States, will host two ADR briefings this summer. The first, on June 27, will bring together Federal agency heads, general counsels and ADR specialists from across the government to discuss the broader use of ADR. A second conference is planned for July 12. ### 95-320