Types of Services

Arbitration

Arbitration is a voluntary process in which Christopher, as arbitrator, hears the facts of the case and renders a decision that may be binding upon the parties. Parties may agree to arbitration in a contract or after the dispute arises. Court-ordered arbitration in Ohio is mandatory and non-binding. Arbitration is less formal than a court or jury trial. “Baseball Arbitration” is also available.

Mediation

Mediation is a dynamic, structured, interactive process where Christopher assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques. All participants in mediation are encouraged to actively participate in the process. Mediation is a "party-centered" process in that it is focused primarily upon the needs, rights, and interests of the parties. Christopher uses a wide variety of techniques to guide the process in a constructive direction and to help the parties find their optimal solution.

Early dispute resolution

Early Dispute Resolution (EDR) is a rigorous, comprehensive process for fairly and rapidly settling disputes, building on mediation and collaborative law practices that facilitate cooperation in an adversarial process. The goal of EDR is to resolve most disputes within 30 to 60 days from inception. For those parties who do want to attempt to find a fair and economical resolution to the dispute in good faith, the process involves five steps.

Special Master / Magistrate

The appointment of a Special Master (or Magistrate) is provided for under Rule 53 of both the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. While somewhat different in application, each role provides for the appointment of a third party to assist in the handling of the case. The appointment can be made pursuant to motion of the parties or sua sponte by the Court. As Special Master/Magistrate, Christopher can assist the Court with particular issues or assume specific responsibilities. Christopher can work with the Court to draft the order of appointment so that the Court and the parties clearly understand the role of the Special Master/Magistrate and how the process is to be aided by the appointment.
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Mock Trial

A mock trial is a simulation of a lower-court trial used to test theories, practice presentation skills, and gain feedback from Christopher. It can be set up as either a bench trial or jury trial. Testimony can be live or read. Witness can be real, counsel or actors. At the conclusion, a thorough analysis, including juror feedback (if applicable), is provided.

Early Neutral Evaluation

Early neutral evaluation (ENE) is a process that may take place soon after a case has been filed in court. The case is referred to Christopher who is asked to provide a balanced and unbiased evaluation of the dispute. The parties either submit written comments or meet in person with him. Christopher identifies each side's strengths and weaknesses and provides an evaluation of the likely outcome of a trial. This evaluation can assist the parties in assessing their case and may propel them towards a settlement.

Mini Trial

A non-binding hearing, generally reserved for complex cases, in which counsel for each party informally presents a shortened form of its case to settlement-authorized representatives of the parties in the presence of a Christopher. At the conclusion of the mini-trial, Christopher will not render a decision. Rather, the representatives meet, with or without Christopher, to negotiate a settlement.