FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         ADR
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1996                           (202) 514-2008
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888


   ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO MAKE LEGAL SYSTEM CHEAPER AND FASTER


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a speech today to the American Bar
Association's House of Delegates in Baltimore, Attorney General
Janet Reno announced that President Clinton has signed an
executive order that will help lower the tremendous costs and
ease the delays of government litigation and improve access to
the civil justice system for all Americans.  
     The executive order instructs government lawyers at all
federal agencies to use alternative dispute resolution techniques
including negotiation, mediation and arbitration when
appropriate.  In doing so, the President removed the prohibition
on the use of binding arbitration by the federal government.  The
order also reaffirms a number of reforms proposed by prior
administrations.
     "This Administration is committed to improving access to
justice for all persons," said Reno.  "The President's executive
order moves us farther in that direction."
     
      The Justice Department will oversee the implementation of
the President's order by federal agencies.  The reforms announced
today complement those previously established by the Attorney
General's April 7, 1995 directive on alternative dispute
resolution.  The Attorney General directed components of the
Department with civil litigation responsibility to make greater
use of negotiation, mediation and arbitration.  
     Other reforms announced today by the President include:
þ    encouraging government attorneys to do Pro Bono and other
     volunteer work
þ    reducing delays and improving the administrative
     adjudication systems in agencies
þ    allowing for self-representation by those who file claims
     against the government, as opposed to having to hire private
     counsel
þ    educating Americans about government policies and procedures
     for filing claims and seeking benefits

     Peter Steenland, the Department's Senior Counsel for
Alternative Dispute Resolution, praised the President's action,
saying "as the largest user of the federal court system, the
government has a responsibility to make it better, cheaper and
more effective.  The President's action will do just that."
     Copies of the President's executive order are available by
calling the Department's public affairs office at 514-2008.
                               ###
95-029