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Early Case Evaluation : Q & A : Mediation : Mini-Hearing : Mediated Settlement Conference

Mini-trials or mini-hearings are usually used by large organizations, such as governmental units or corporations, where the decision-makers may be considerably removed from the employees involved in the day-to-day negotiations. In a mini-hearing, each party presents a summary of the anticipated evidence and a discussion of any legal issues that must be decided before the case can be resolved. Presentations are made to the senior officials of each party with a third-party neutral presiding over the presentation. No witnesses are called; no evidentiary rules apply; all communications are confidential. The third-party neutral may be asked to give an advisory opinion. The senior officials of the parties then attempt to negotiate a settlement.