At PowerHouse Mediation, we offer Neutral Evaluation services to help parties in civil disputes get an early, candid assessment of their case. Whether you’re a plaintiff’s lawyer navigating a complex liability issue or a defense counsel evaluating exposure, our experienced neutrals provide an impartial review that saves time, clarifies strengths and weaknesses, and promotes settlement.
Neutral Evaluation—also known as Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)—is a confidential, non-binding process where a third-party neutral reviews case materials and offers an impartial assessment of legal and factual strengths, weaknesses, and settlement potential. Unlike mediation, there’s no pressure to compromise. Instead, you get a practical evaluation from a seasoned legal professional—often a retired judge or experienced trial attorney—who’s seen how similar cases play out in court.
🟣 Early Insight into Case Value
Understand the merits and challenges of your case before investing in full-scale litigation.
🟣 Realistic Risk Assessment
Our evaluators offer unbiased opinions based on experience, not advocacy.
🟣 Settlement Catalyst
Use the evaluation to bridge gaps in negotiation and prepare for productive mediation.
🟣 Litigation Strategy Support
Gain clarity that can shape discovery plans, expert retention, and trial posture.
🟣 Client Confidence
An objective, third-party opinion can help manage client expectations or support internal decision-making.
🟣 Personal Injury & Auto Liability
🟣 Premises & Products Liability
🟣 Contract Disputes & Commercial Claims
🟣 Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith
🟣 Employment & Wage Claims
🟣 Construction Defects
🟣 Professional Malpractice
🟣 Business Torts & Complex Civil Litigation
Case Submission
Each party submits relevant documents—pleadings, summaries, and exhibits—for review.
Evaluation by a Trusted Neutral
Our evaluator conducts a thorough analysis and may request clarification or a short conference.
Delivery of the Evaluation
You receive a written or oral report outlining liability, damages, credibility, and litigation risk.
Optional Follow-Up
Use the evaluation to prepare for mediation, refine strategy, or prompt meaningful settlement talks.
🟣 Veteran Neutrals
Our team includes former judges and trial lawyers with extensive civil litigation experience.
🟣 Civil-Focused Practice
We understand the nuances of civil claims—and how to evaluate them with precision and practicality.
🟣 Customizable Process
Whether you need a quick-turnaround review or a detailed multi-party analysis, we tailor our approach.
🟣 National Reach, Local Insight
Based in Minnesota and available virtually across jurisdictions.
If you’re ready to cut through uncertainty and bring focus to your case, our PowerHouse neutrals are ready to help.
