The early neutral evaluation of the case may also provide a basis for settlement discussions. A neutral selected by the parties presides, acting in the fashion of a judge. Principals with authority to settle the case attend. The resulting advisory jury verdict is intended to facilitate settlement negotiations. Mini Trial - The mini trial is similar to the summary jury trial in that it is an abbreviated trial presided over by a neutral.
Attorneys present their best case to party representatives with authority to settle.
Generally, no decision is announced by the neutral. After the hearing, the party representatives begin settlement negotiations, perhaps calling on the neutral for an opinion as to how a court might decide the case.