Rule 14 - Appeal Conferences(a) Purpose of Conference. The court, sua sponte or upon motion of a party, may direct the attorneys to participate in one or more conferences to address any matter that may aid in resolving the appeal. This may include simplifying the issues, discussing the status of record preparation, possible consolidation of briefing in multi-party proceedings, and, in a non-criminal appeal, discussing settlement. A judge or other person will be designated by the court to preside over the conference.(b) Attendance at Conference. Parties themselves are not required to attend an appeal conference except when a party is not represented by counsel, or when the conference officer has directed a party to attend. Before a conference called to discuss the possibility of settlement, the attorneys must consult with their clients and obtain as much authority as feasible to settle the case.(c) Conference Order. As a result of the appeal conference, the court may enter an order controlling the course of the proceedings or implementing any settlement agreement. If the order fully disposes of the case, it will be entered by a single judge and the Clerk will issue a mandate to the Superior Court or agency directing it to enter an appropriate judgment or other order. The conference officer may also recommend to the court that a case be scheduled for expedited briefing or calendaring, as appropriate.(d) Disqualification of Settlement Conference Judge. The conference officer, if a judge, will not participate in the disposition of the case.(e) Confidentiality. Any statement, representation, or offer of settlement made in an appeal conference and not embodied in a conference order will be privileged and confidential.Amended by Order dated November 30, 2016, effective 11/30/2016.