Objective

Techniques to Consider

I.  A.  Objectives Extraneous to the Dispute

I.  A.  1.  Preserve ongoing business or personal relationship

1. Face-to-face mediation
2. Mini-trial without live testimony
3. Early neutral evaluation
4. Shuttle mediation
5. Baseball arbitration followed by mediation

I.  A.  2.  Preserve privacy of facts or witnesses to avoid copycat suits or negative publicity

1. Binding arbitration
2. Mini-trial
3. Early neutral evaluation

I.  A.  3.  Create public record of favorable outcome of dispute in form of precedent

1. Court-annexed arbitration using judge pro tem
2. Private judge by order of court
3. Arbitration with written findings

I.  B.  Objectives for outcome of the dispute.

I.  B.  1.  Limit potential amount of damages award     

1. High / Low arbitration
2. Baseball arbitration
3. Mediation

I.  B.  2.  Limit exposure to liability for plaintiff’s attorney fees

1. Early neutral evaluation
2. Baseball arbitration
3. Early mediation

I.  B.  3.  Prevent costs of defense from overwhelming the amount in controversy

1. Baseball arbitration
2. Early mediation
3. High / Low arbitration
4. Reduced procedures arbitration or mini-trial

I.  B.  4.  Delay resolution

1. Traditional judicial system
2. Court-directed special master
3. Arbitration managed by institutional provider

I.  B.  5.  Expedite resolution

1. Baseball arbitration
2. Early mediation

I.  B.  6.  Make use of defendant’s ability to offer non-monetary benefits to plaintiff as part of settlement

1. Mediation
2. Ombudsman

I.  B.  7.  Minimize exposure to a lose/lose result

1. Mediation
2. Baseball arbitration followed by mediation.
3. High / Low or conditional arbitration

Objective

Techniques to Consider

1.  Minimize exposure to summary judgment motion

1. Baseball arbitration followed by mediation
2. Early mediation
3. Early neutral evaluation

2.  Lessen bankruptcy threat to collection by Court-entered judgment

1. Judicial process
2. Arbitration, any form

3.  Obtain discovery

1. Mediation
2. Court-annexed procedures