There are two main alternatives to a consent decree. You might choose a private settlement with your employer that can be tailored to your needs may give you most of what you want. However, because it is private, it may not benefit other women in your workplace the way a consent decree might. Alternatively, you might decide that litigation is the path for you, but be advised that it may be a long, costly and often emotionally draining adversarial process. While litigation can give you all the relief you seek, it can be risky since no one can predict how a case will come out at trial. A consent decree often may be the best tool for the job.