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What You Don’t Know Can Cost You the Case
When the stakes are high, surprises in the courtroom can be costly. More and more, savvy litigators seek an advantage by obtaining an objective, neutral perspective to provide valuable feedback on briefs, sharpen oral arguments and fine-tune case strategy.
A weak narrative or emphasizing the wrong point can unravel months — or even years — of preparation.
Expert Panelists. Strategic Feedback. Better Outcomes.
FedArb’s mock arguments or neutral analysis are designed to give litigators — and their clients — a strategic edge. These exercises not only provide real-time feedback from expert panels but also help general counsel and executives better understand case strengths, anticipate opposing arguments and assess whether settlement or mediation makes sense.
Seasoned perspective
Gain strategic insight from FedArb’s panel of distinguished former federal judges and nationally recognized neutrals — trusted by top firms and institutions for their deep understanding of how legal arguments resonate with decision-makers.
Custom panel selection
Choose panelists with significant experience in the same district or circuit court or subject matter — bringing valuable insight into the tendencies, expectations and decision-making styles of the judges or jurisdictions that matter most to your case.
Three-dimensional feedback
Go beyond individual input — observe how a panel of three jurists analyze, debate and respond to your arguments in real time.
Actionable guidance
Receive practical, strategic feedback to fine-tune your case before trial, improving clarity, persuasion and results.
Where Mock Exercises Are Most Effective
Mock exercises are especially valuable in high-stakes, high-complexity matters where precision and preparation are critical. They are particularly effective for
- Dispositive motions
- Appellate arguments
- Arguments before arbitral tribunals
- Markman hearings
- Summary judgments
- Expert witness examinations
How Top Litigators Use Mock Trials to Win
FedArb’s CEO explains how clients use mock trials to strengthen their litigation strategy.
A mock exercise is a simulated legal proceeding that allows attorneys to test arguments, strategy and witness presentation before a real hearing or trial. It helps identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Mock exercises provide real-time feedback from experienced judges or neutrals, helping attorneys refine arguments, anticipate challenges and build confidence ahead of trial or arbitration. These sessions also offer valuable preparation for witness examination, as arbitrators and opposing counsel often question witnesses about key documents. Mock exercises are especially effective for establishing themes, testing strategy and sharpening case organization for a bench trial or arbitration.
The structure of a mock exercise — including who serves as the mock judge or arbitrator — depends on the nature of the case and the preferences of the attorneys and client. FedArb panels are composed of former federal judges and elite legal practitioners, chosen for their subject matter expertise or their familiarity with the relevant court or jurisdiction.
Mock exercises are particularly effective for dispositive motions, appellate arguments, arbitral panel presentations, summary judgments, expert witness examinations and other high-stakes legal matters.
FedArb mock exercises are typically judge-only simulations, designed to mirror bench trials, appellate proceedings or arbitration — not jury trials.
Mock arbitrators are typically chosen to reflect the background or characteristics of the actual arbitrator(s) on the tribunal. For single-arbitrator matters, one or two mock arbitrators may be used. In higher-stakes cases involving a three-arbitrator panel, the mock exercise often mirrors that structure — sometimes using as many as six mock arbitrators to form two separate panels for comparative deliberation and deeper insight.
A mock exercise simulates argument before a panel, while a neutral evaluation involves a single expert assessing the case and providing strategic feedback without a simulated hearing.
Yes. By revealing how arguments are likely to be received, mock exercises help general counsel and executives evaluate case risks and make more informed decisions about mediation or settlement.
Most FedArb mock exercises can be completed in a single day, although more complex matters may involve multiple sessions or additional preparation.
Yes. All FedArb mock exercises are conducted under strict confidentiality, using the same protections applied to other alternative dispute resolution processes.
Costs vary depending on the panel size, case complexity and preparation required. Contact FedArb for a customized quote.