There are many alternatives to going to trial including using a mediator, arbitrator, private judge, or referee. Small claims court and other institutions help cut the cost of civil trials.
A judge can appoint a referee to someone, usually they are a lawyer. If you except a referee, the use of a jury is unavailable, decision is up to the judge.
Instead of going to court, you could try to resolve the conflict by finding an agreement, but if you go to civil court, these choices show that you can have many options instead of just one. All of them have a different use to help your case.
A referee is a third person party appointed by a judge to listen to both sides of the case. The referee advises the judge, who makes the final decision.