Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a relatively short, informal, non-binding and confidential procedure that encourages litigants in civil cases to settle disputes before they have committed significant time and money to fight their cases. Parties may enter ENE voluntarily or be referred (or even ordered) to it by the court. In ENE session, the parties and their attorneys meet before an agreed upon neutral. After both sides make their case the neutral asks questions and the disputants may question each other. The neutral presents his/her analysis of key issues, offers an opinion on how the case would fare in court, suggests ways to bridge the gap between parties and offers to facilitate a settlement. Similar to mediation, regardless of its outcome, ENE helps narrow issues and gives litigants a more realistic view of their chances in court. It also keeps all discussions and recommendations confidential.