Rule 6.012 - Settlement Conferences in Civil Proceedings(1) Any civil case assigned a time and place for trial will be calendared for a settlement conference at least 21 days before the trial if requested by a party or required by the court. Such request must be made in writing and filed in the case with a copy to the other parties not less than 42 days prior to the scheduled trial date. The purpose of the settlement conference is to provide a forum to resolve disputes before trial through the active participation of counsel and the court.(2) At the settlement conference the court requires the attendance of all parties and their trial attorneys. When a party is insured, a representative of the insurance company who has full authority to settle the case must be in attendance or readily available remotely. An out-of-county or out-of-state party may apply to be excused from appearing in person at the settlement conference. The party seeking to be excused must file a motion with the judge presiding over the conference. Any party seeking to be excused must be available to appear remotely to participate in the conference. The Presiding Judge or a designee will rule on said request and, if appropriate, excuse the party from appearing in person.
(3) Settlement conferences will be held informally before a judge at a time and place provided by the Presiding Judge. The conference may be continued as part of a continuing settlement conference to another day before trial by the judge. Each case on the settlement conference calendar will retain its place on the civil active list. If the case does not settle at such conference, no reference may thereafter be made to any settlement discussion had under this rule except in subsequent settlement proceedings. In the event that a settlement is not reached at the settlement conference, a judge other than the one who participated in the settlement proceeding will be assigned to try the case.
(4) For a meaningful settlement conference to take place, all counsel and parties must participate in good faith.(5) In the event settlement negotiations are not successful, counsel should expect and be prepared to proceed to trial on the date scheduled. Every effort will be made by the court to ensure that the case proceeds to trial on the date scheduled. This court will deny all requests for continuance except in case of emergency or highly unusual circumstances.Amended effective 2/1/2024.