Arbitration Private Judging and Special Magistrate Services

Some disputes require a neutral decision-maker or focused judicial oversight rather than a facilitated negotiation. Cheryl Caracuzzo accepts select appointments as an arbitrator, private judge, and special magistrate. The nature and scope of each engagement are established at the outset through a conflict review, confirmation of the parties' agreement or court appointment, and clear scheduling and procedural expectations.

Arbitration

Arbitration allows parties to submit a dispute to a neutral decision-maker in a setting tailored to the needs of the case. The parties or the court may define the issues to be decided, the procedures to be followed, and whether the result will be binding or nonbinding. During more than a decade as a circuit court judge, Cheryl heard evidence, applied the governing law, and decided cases across a broad range of civil matters. She brings that decision-making experience, together with her background as a trial lawyer, to every arbitration by providing an orderly process, careful analysis, and a reasoned determination.

Private Judging

Private judging, also known as voluntary trial resolution, gives parties in eligible civil matters an opportunity to proceed on a timetable that may be more responsive than the traditional court calendar. Following the parties' written agreement and appointment by the court, Cheryl presides over the matter with the structure, neutrality, and attention developed through more than a decade on the circuit court bench.

Special Magistrate

A special magistrate may be appointed to address discrete issues that would benefit from focused attention and active case management. Within the authority granted by the court's referral order, Cheryl can conduct hearings and address matters such as discovery disputes, deposition issues, motions, and other defined assignments. Her years managing civil and family litigation from the bench inform an approach that emphasizes preparation, efficient proceedings, and clear rulings or recommendations that assist the parties and the court in moving the case forward.

Discuss an ADR Engagement

To discuss a potential appointment, please identify the service requested, the general nature of the matter, the parties and counsel for conflict-review purposes, preferred dates and format, and any applicable hearing or scheduling deadline. Confidential materials and substantive submissions should not be provided until the conflict review is complete and the engagement has been confirmed.