I believe you mentioned the two biggest methods but another method out of court dispute resolution is just negotiating. This is the most basic means of settling a dispute and usually the first option. Negotiating can be conducted between the two parties or by a lawyer on behalf of a party. There are many benefits to settling a court dispute this way including; quick and inexpensive, voluntary, private and confidential, negotiated agreements can be enforceable, and it can end in a win-win solution. When negotiating does not work and the two sides can not come to an agreement that is when one side will usually pursue arbitration or mediation or even court if needed.