Polk Cnty. Supp. L. R. 6.012

As amended through June 11, 2024

Rule 6.012 - CIVIL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES

The following procedures shall apply to pre-trial settlement conferences in pending civil and domestic relations cases, when requested by a party of the party's attorney:

(1) Any party may request a settlement conference by making a written request to the presiding judge. Early requests are encouraged, and requests for assignment to a particular judge will be honored if possible.

(2) The settlement conference judge shall not act as trial judge if the case does not settle. Materials or notes prepared by the pretrial settlement judge will remain confidential and will not be placed in the court file in the event that the case does not settle. The assigned settlement judge will determine the appropriate method for reporting settlement and will determine whether a trial setting conference must be held prior to the pretrial settlement conference.

(3) If one party requests a pretrial settlement conference, the settlement conference must be held and must be conducted according to the procedure set forth in this rule. However, the pretrial settlement conference will not be required if the opposing party demonstrates good cause why the settlement conference should not be held.

(4) All trial attorneys and parties or representatives of a corporation or insurance company who has full authority to settle and compromise the litigation must personally appear at the pretrial settlement conference. [In criminal cases, all trial attorneys and the defendants must be present for the settlement conference.] The judge may permit telephone or electronic appearances for good cause.

(5) Each settlement conference shall be scheduled to allow adequate time for meaningful settlement discussions. Additional settlement conferences may be scheduled by the judge or by agreement of all attorneys and parties.

(6) The pretrial settlement conference shall not delay the trial scheduling without permission of the court.

(7) Settlement conferences may be held remotely or in person at the discretion of the court.

(8) The presiding judge will determine whether a trial setting conference must be held prior to the pretrial settlement conference.

Polk Cnty. Supp. L. R. 6.012

Amended effective 2/1/2024.