Addressing ethical issues in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes in no easy feat. What can an ADR practitioner do to support party self-determination when there is concern about a party's capacity; what is a practitioner's responsibility for substantive justice; does a practitioner's competence impact on the justice outcome. How an ADR practitioner responds to ethical concerns will influence the quality of justice, both procedural and substantive. The articles in this special issue, drawn from those presented at an ADR Ethics symposium for ADR practitioners in 2015, provide insights into aspects of justice, quality and practice issues in diverse ADR settings including mediation, family dispute resolution, restorative justice and statutory dispute resolution. Collectively the articles advance our understanding of the complex issue of ADR ethics.