Types of Appointments

Court-Appointed Neutrals are judicial adjuncts can take on several types of roles. Some of these roles arise in multi-district litigation (MDL) cases, class actions, or other complex or multi-party litigation. But neutrals can be used in areas as diverse as family law, probate, patent, criminal proceedings or anytime specialized, technical or management expertise would help. Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific nature of the role, "neutral" may have any of many different titles, such as monitor, mediator, facilitator, expert, advisor or administrator. Sometimes one neutral will play multiple roles throughout the lifetime of a complex case.

More information about the various roles and types of court-appointed neutrals can be found here.

ACAN provides information for those interested in using court-appointed neutrals (whether these officers are "masters" or otherwise) or learning about the help they can provide:

• Roles of Neutrals describes the various roles masters play in litigation.
• Advantages of Neutrals discusses how masters can unburden the courts and make litigation more efficient.
• Appointing Neutrals Handbook is a manual primarily intended to assist judges and their clerks in appointing and using neutrals. Attorneys involved in cases in which a court-appointed neutrals is appointed will also find this handbook useful.
• Experienced Neutrals lists the fellows of the Academy. All fellows are required to have served as a court-appointed neutral.