Mediation. This is a non-binding process in which the parties and their attorneys meet and attempt to resolve their dispute with the assistance of a neutral mediator. Typically, the parties meet in an initial joint session and then meet privately with the mediator to discuss their case. Mediation is an effort to resolve a dispute by talking about it as opposed to trying a case in a court of law. In the event that a case does not settle at mediation, our neutrals engage in extensive follow-up, usually by telephone, in an effort to bring cases to resolution. Our success rate in mediation is greater than 90%.
Arbitration. This is a binding process in which the parties enter into a contract agreeing to submit their dispute to a neutral arbitrator for determination. The parties choose a mutually agreeable arbitrator and select a mutually agreeable date, time and location for their hearing. Following the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator renders a written decision that is binding on the parties.
Case Evaluation. Mr. Kauders and Ms. Worley frequently are called upon by counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants to conduct case evaluations. Based, in part, on written submissions, our neutrals offer an in-depth evaluation of a matter with respect to liability, causation, and damages.
Conciliation. This process is less formal than mediation. In conciliation, a neutral third party meets with all parties to a dispute in a common session and attempts to secure an agreement from all parties to proceed with negotiation of their dispute.
Mediation/Arbitration. This two-part process begins with the execution of a mediation/arbitration agreement. Parties to a dispute agree to attempt to resolve their dispute through mediation. They agree further that if they are unable to settle their matter in the course of the mediation, they will then proceed directly into arbitration.
Mini-Trial. This process offers a private alternative to a traditional trial court setting. In a mini-trial, each party presents its best case through the introduction of evidence before a neutral that serves as the moderator of proceedings. Presentations are made in the presence of decision makers for all parties. Based on guidelines created before the mini-trial, the parties participate in on-going negotiations throughout the course of the mini-trial.
Mock Jury Trial. Mock jury trial gives the parties, together or separately, the opportunity to present their case to a sample jury for a non-binding evaluation by that jury. In this case, Pre-Trial Solutions, Inc. provides a sample jury and a neutral that serves as a judge. This process allows parties to isolate specific parts of their case for consideration before the mock jury. In the alternative, parties may present their entire case for deliberation.