A non-binding form of alternative dispute resolution. In an early neutral evaluation, the neutral, who is likely to be a judge, retired judge or Queen's Counsel, hears each party's submissions and then states his view on the likely outcome at trial. That view is without prejudice and has no binding effect. This procedure is more likely to be used on an ad hoc basis when a dispute is being litigated, at least until there is more experience of it in use.

For further guidance, see Practice note, Early neutral evaluation: overview.