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.

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