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These web sites offer more information about ADR:
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Case Evaluation Services
The Center for Legal Solutions' case evaluation services help parties to litigation completely resolve or substantially narrow their lawsuit. Our neutral case evaluators have the experience and expertise to help parties resolve a variety of disputes.
Case evaluation is a process in which a lawyer with expertise in the subject matter of the litigation acts as a neutral evaluator of the case. Typically, each side of the dispute presents a summary of its legal theories and evidence to the neutral evaluator who then works with the parties to resolve all, or some of the issues presented by the case. The evaluator has no decision-making authority and is in no way acting as an agent for the judge overseeing the case.
Flexible Process for Mediation, Discovery Management
This service is referred to as "case evaluation" or "early neutral evaluation" under Georgia's Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and a number of local rules, but these terms are somewhat confusing and misleading. You may already have already evaluated your case and the idea of hiring someone to second guess your case evaluation in front of your client based on his or her first impression of the case.
Case evaluation should really be viewed as early case coordination by an attorney who is familiar with the litigation process and the issues particular to the subject matter. During case evaluation, each party has the opportunity to present information to the neutral. Parties can make sophisticated, formal presentations similar to an opening statement in court or make informal comments about the case as they would in the opening conference of a mediation session.
After the parties make their respective presentations, the neutral evaluator helps the parties assess the strengths and each side's case and assists the parties in narrowing the legal and factual issues in the case. The neutral evaluator can caucus privately with parties for this purpose.
The neutral evaluator will explore the possibilities of settlement with the parties. In some cases, the process will resemble a mediation session. If settlement discussions are premature, the case evaluator can help the parties streamline discovery and other pretrial aspects of the case.
Whether litigation is pending and the parties have been ordered to complete an ADR process, or the parties have voluntarily decided to try resolving their dispute before filing a lawsuit, we welcome the opportunity to assist you. We know that you have a choice of professionals and are honored you are considering us. We value your confidence and strive to provide services that we consider the finest available in our field.
Our neutral case evaluators are carefully screened and highly qualified. All are committed to helping settle disputes fairly and efficiently.
How Much It Costs, How Long It Takes
The time required for case evaluation depends upon the complexity of the issues involved, how willing to parties are to engage the process and the number of parties involved. A three hour minimum session fee applies. Mediation sessions can be scheduled at times that are convenient to all parties.
Our case evaluators charge varying rates for their time and you are encouraged to browse individual neutral profiles for rate information. The cost is typically shared equally by the parties.
If you have questions about The Center for Legal Solutions that are not answered on this web site, feel free to e-mail your question to questions@centerforlegalsolutions.org and we will do our best to respond within 48 hours.
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We recently hosted a special event for 
The Center for Legal Solutions Director Barry Edwards' Article on 
