The Needham Center for Arbitration is primarily intended for use in a legal setting for private divorces, arbitrations, trial and witness preparation, remote court proceedings, and mock trials, but the Center is also available for other uses.
Private Divorces
The Needham Center for Arbitration offers a venue for divorce proceedings to be conducted privately in our state-of-the-art private courtroom. Family law arbitration is a binding process that allows divorces to be resolved efficiently and privately as opposed to proceeding in the less predictable and public forum of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court system. The divorce is decided by a mutually agreed upon arbitrator, a decision-maker trusted by both parties, such as an experienced family law attorney or retired judge. The arbitrator has the same powers as a sitting justice of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court to enter temporary orders and hear testimony and examine evidence in a trial proceeding. Process and procedure can be streamlined and tailored by mutual agreement. A private divorce also offers the benefit of shielding financial or other personal family matters from the public, an important factor for individuals who may have a business, family wealth, a public profile or a child with sensitive medical or other issues.
Arbitration Proceedings
Whatever the dispute – whether it be family law, employment, business, or commercial — it can be resolved at the Needham Center for Arbitration. The Center has experienced family law arbitrators available (under separate engagement), or you can select another arbitrator of your choice for your particular case. Arbitrators are trusted decision-makers who may be retired judges or lawyers with broad experience relevant to the dispute. In disputes that involve a specialized industry or require technical expertise, such as commercial and business disputes, arbitration proceedings have an edge over traditional litigation in that the parties can choose an arbitrator with relevant expertise, streamline the discovery and trial process by mutual agreement, and select the dates and times of proceedings, achieving closure to disruptive and expensive disputes more quickly and efficiently. The courtroom features integrated wireless capabilities for displaying documents, sharing videos or images, and facilitating remote witness testimony.
Witness & Trial Preparation
The courtroom environment can be challenging if you don’t know what to expect. The Needham Center for Arbitration is the perfect venue for attorneys to prepare for trial and for expert and lay witnesses to practice testifying. The venue replicates the setting of a traditional courtroom with an elevated judge’s bench, a witness stand, two counsel tables and chairs, and four gallery benches. With private Wi-Fi, a microphone, screen, and camera, the courtroom offers the tools you need to prepare for trial and help witnesses feel confident in a courtroom setting. The adjoining kitchen and breakout room offer space to regroup and recharge. The venue is available for rental on an as needed basis to prepare for a hearing or a trial.
Mock Trials
At the Needham Center for Arbitration, we welcome educational groups, attorneys, community members and others to rent our private courtroom to conduct mock trials. A mock trial format can benefit high school students, law students, community members and other educational groups to familiarize themselves with courtroom proceedings. The layout of the courtroom mimics a typical courtroom with an elevated judge’s bench, a witness stand, four gallery benches, and tables and chairs for Plaintiffs, Defendants, and their attorneys. At the Needham Center for Arbitration, you can replicate the actual courtroom trial experience in a private setting, offering a great educational experience.
Remote Proceedings
The Center is available for remote proceedings, such as hearings or depositions, so that they may be conducted in a courtroom setting.
Private Events
The Needham Center for Arbitration offers a unique setting to host your next event, whether it be a formal business meeting, a video shoot where a courtroom backdrop is desired, or a private function or event. The Center replicates a typical courtroom with space for up to twenty individuals. There is a kitchenette directly abutting the Arbitration Center which is available for your use during the rental. It is equipped with a sink, single cup coffee maker (with coffee, sweeteners, and creamer available), small refrigerator, trash and recycling. While most events are held during weekday business hours, the venue is available by agreement at other times as well and can be staffed as mutually agreed upon. Please contact the Center at info@centerforarbitration.com for more information or to schedule an after-hours event.