• MEDIATION:  Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral mediator assists the parties in identifying and discussing key issues in dispute, exploring various solutions, and developing a settlement that is mutually acceptable to all parties. The mediator has no authority to impose a settlement and the parties are under no obligation to reach agreement.  Mediation proceedings are private and confidential and the substance of the discussions in mediation is generally considered privileged.  Mediation can be used to resolve every type of dispute, including conflicts that have not yet resulted in formal litigation.

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• ARBITRATION: Arbitration is a process in which a neutral arbitrator, or panel of arbitrators, issues a binding decision on a disputed matter after a hearing is conducted in which the parties (or their representatives, often attorneys) present evidence and arguments to the arbitrator(s).  This process most closely resembles a trial in the courts, although in most arbitrations, the rules of evidence are relaxed, there is limited prehearing discovery, and the process is typically quicker from beginning to end.  The award of the arbitrator, except in limited rare circumstances, is final and not subject to appeal.

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• CASE EVALUATION: Case evaluation is a process in which the parties or their attorneys present a summary of their cases to a neutral who then renders a non-binding opinion regarding the settlement value and/or likely outcome if the case were tried in a court or in an arbitration proceeding.  This process is often used to encourage settlement discussions, and the neutral is typically a well experienced attorney or retired judge whose opinion will be respected by both sides of the controversy.