This is an anonymous survey to gather data about mock arbitrations. The results will be used to assess the utility of the process and aid counsel in maximizing their use of mock arbitrations to improve the presentation of their case. Please just estimate if you do not have a precise answer to a question. Precision is not required. It should only take 10 minutes to complete. We would really appreciate your assistance with this and thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.
Edna Sussman, independent arbitrator
James Lawrence, University of Houston Law Center
Definition
Mock arbitrations, or mooting your arbitration, means presenting an abbreviated version of the dispute in arbitration for feedback either before colleagues at your firms or before selected individuals not associated with your firm. This survey is not about an early neutral evaluation or mini-trial in which all parties to the dispute present their case and an evaluation is delivered to all parties to facilitate settlement.
The survey is divided into three sections, one for individuals who served as counsel in a mock arbitration, one for individuals who have served as arbitrators in a mock arbitration and a third for counsel who have not conducted a mock arbitration for any of their cases.
In the first 3 questions below, you will be asked to tell us whether you have served as counsel in a mock arbitration, served as an arbitrator in a mock arbitration, or whether you are a legal counsel but have never participated in a mock arbitration. Please select only ONE “yes” answer. If you have served as both counsel in a mock arbitration and as an arbitrator in a mock arbitration, please select the answer which reflects the capacity in which you served most often. In addition we invite you, if you can, to take the survey twice, once in each capacity.