What are distinguishing characteristics of the Trial, Summary Jury Trial, Mini Trial, and Private Trial?

Question

If you were asked to recommend which one of these is appropriate to resolve a dispute, what factors would you consider in making this recommendation.

I'd say this would involve a business contract dispute.

Answer 1

Jury trials may not present much of an advantage in a commercial dispute. Often they are resolved either by summary judgment (the judge decides the dispute before trial as a matter of law) or they are settled before trial. A private trial sounds like arbitration. Some arbitration services rely mostly on senior attorneys from private practice like the American Arbitration Association. Others use mostly retired judges, like Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service. Other factors for you to consider are the amount in dispute, who bears the costs (your contract may provide who pays expenses, including attorneys' fees), and how strong your case is. If the amount is more than small claims court can handle, you need a qualified business litigator.