Case Evaluation
Case Evaluation provides for a confidential, non-binding evaluation conference under the direction of an experienced attorney who has significant expertise in the subject matter of the case. This process is particularly beneficial in more complex cases. Lawyers on both sides attend with their client(s) and make a brief presentation of their case. The evaluator assists the parties in identifying areas of agreement and narrowing the legal and factual issues.
The evaluator also provides the parties with an opportunity to engage in settlement discussions should they desire to do so. If unsuccessful, the evaluator helps the parties to develop a plan to position the case for future settlement discussions or such further action as may be necessary. No one is bound by anything said or done unless a settlement is reached.
Benefits of Case Evaluation
If case evaluation is held in the early stages of litigation, case discovery and development may be more organized, less time consuming, and less expensive.