Settlement Conferences

The settlement judge has no power to impose settlement and does not attempt to coerce a party to accept any proposed terms. The parties may agree to a binding settlement. If no settlement is reached, the case remains on the litigation track. The parties’ formal discovery, disclosure and motion practice rights are fully preserved.

The neutral:

A magistrate judge or, in limited circumstances, a district judge conducts the settlement conference. The judge who would preside at trial does not conduct the settlement conference unless the parties stipulate in writing and the judge agrees. Parties may request a specific magistrate judge or rank several magistrate judges in order of preference. The court will attempt to accommodate such preferences.

Attendance:

Confidentiality:

Timing:

Written submissions:

Appropriate cases/circumstances:

All civil cases are eligible. Cases with the following characteristics may be particularly appropriate:

• a client or attorney prefers to appear before a judicial officer
• issues of procedural law are especially important
• a party is not represented by counsel

Cost:

There is no charge to the litigants.