Local Rule LBR 9019-23: Blue Ribbon Case Evaluation

LBR 9019-23: Blue Ribbon Case Evaluation Blue Ribbon Case Evaluation allows parties to choose their own evaluators and to request that the evaluators devote substantial time to the evaluation process. A case may be referred to Blue Ribbon Case Evaluation only with the unanimous consent of the parties. All procedures applicable to Standard Case Evaluation apply, except:

(a) Selection of Evaluators. The parties jointly select the Blue Ribbon case evaluators, who need not be members of the Court's Panel of Qualified Neutrals.

(b) Fees. Case evaluators are compensated at their customary hourly rate, to be assessed in as many equal parts as there are separately represented parties, or as otherwise agreed by the parties at the time Blue Ribbon Case Evaluation is ordered.

(c) Case Evaluation Briefs and Hearings. No limits apply to the length of Blue Ribbon Case Evaluation hearings or to the length of case evaluation briefs, unless agreed to in writing by the parties. No late fees are imposed for untimely submissions of case evaluation briefs.

(d) Time for Rendering Award. In an extraordinary case, where the award cannot reasonably be rendered at the conclusion of the hearing, the evaluators may render their written evaluation no later than seven days after the hearing concludes.

(e) Time for Acceptance or Rejection of Award. Parties shall have 14 days to accept or reject a case evaluation award. If any party fails to timely file an acceptance or rejection with the ADR Clerk within 14 days of service of the award, that party shall be deemed to have rejected the award.