Mr. Block serves as a binding arbitrator in business disputes that the parties have agreed to arbitrate either by contract or stipulation. Private arbitration is a practical alternative to the court system, affording the parties a streamlined process that eliminates the need to prepare for jury selection and provides more certainty in scheduling, particularly where multiple and expensive experts are involved. Mr. Block also serves as a referee in partition matters.

In keeping with the efficiency of arbitration, Mr. Block typically confers with counsel early in the process to arrive at the ground rules, determine additional workup that will be completed before the arbitration, and discuss procedural or evidentiary issues that will be raised. After the arbitration, Mr. Block prepares a written decision that fully explains his reasoning to the lawyers as well as the parties, so that all participants understand the process.

Mr. Block continues to serve as a discovery referee under C.C.P. §§ 638 and 639 in a number of matters. As a referee, Mr. Block handles complex cases involving ongoing law and motion disputes, where prompt rulings are central to moving the case forward. Mr. Block is also effective in resolving discovery disputes and helping parties to avoid the acrimony that often hinders settlement opportunities. See, for example, Discovery Wars, Aikido and the Use of a Discovery Referee.

Parties commonly use a special master in mass action tort cases that are not tethered to the court’s accelerated trial guidelines. In such cases, Mr. Block works with the parties to set discovery timelines and prepare case management orders that are ultimately submitted to the trial court for approval.