At AMR, we recognize that prompt resolution of claims reduces the insurer's exposure and minimizes losses and transaction costs. Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as mediation, private arbitration and settlement conference are, in appropriate cases, recommended to effect early resolution.

We encourage open discussion with our clients. We solicit criticism on a formal and informal basis. Although it is difficult in the context of legal services to accurately measure performance, we conduct internal evaluations designed to measure the quality of our services, the promptness of our response and whether we have addressed our client's needs.

Traditionally, one of our partners acts as liaison to a specific client with a view to monitoring, among other things, progress of claims, file opening/closing ratios, fees, complaints and suggestions.

We encourage meetings with our clients on a quarterly basis to conduct overall file reviews and to exchange ideas and information as to file handling procedures and other matters.

We believe that prompt dissemination of information and exchange of ideas is necessary to foster productive collaboration. We keep pace with the latest developments in the law and the insurance industry.

We regularly offer seminars on a gratuitous basis to our insurer clients on a wide variety of accident benefit and tort issues.

We offer advice by phone without charge, on matters that do not require the opening of a file. We recognize that it is often helpful to adjusters to have the benefit of a second opinion, on an informal basis. We provide updates on important legal and industry developments, as they occur.

We keep pace with technical innovations. Our offices are fully networked and integrated. Our lawyers are able to access legal and other information databases or the Internet directly from their desk or laptop computers. We have held preliminary discussions with several of our clients concerning integrating our computer system with theirs to facilitate communication and increase timeliness of response. We are happy to discuss your needs in this regard.

Our lawyers meet regularly to discuss issues of substantive and procedural law, reporting requirements, technical and research facilities, along with a variety of other matters. Forums are regularly held to discuss difficult issues and cases and to appraise the quality of our performance.

Traditionally, we have charged an hourly rate for services rendered. However, we also offer fixed price or other billing arrangements that shift to us some of the risk that, in the legal marketplace at least, has historically been absorbed by clients. These alternative fee structures also provide lawyers with incentives to efficiency which may be clouded by time docketed billing methods.