How is the hearing structured and are attorneys expected to make a formal presentation?
Attorneys are free to structure the hearing however they like. The hearings are generally informal and held in a conference room setting. There is a court reporter present, and the hearing is conducted on the record. Documents referred to in the hearing are entered and marked as exhibits. Attorneys may present testimony from whomever they wish. The attorney may conduct a direct examination, the attorney may lead the witness, or the attorney may simply choose to have the witness make his or her own presentation. The hearing officer may directly question the witness to identify facts supporting an award.
