Rule 212.3 - Pre-Trial and Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences(a) In any action, i.e. jury, non-jury, equity and arbitration appeals, the court on its own motion, or upon praecipe or written request of any party, may direct the attorneys for the parties to appear for a pre-trial conference or settlement conference. The assigned judge shall determine the procedures for any pre-trial or pre-trial settlement conference. Notice of such conferences shall be given to all counsel or unrepresented parties by the court.(b) Failure to participate in such conference(s), or to provide the required pre-trial statement, will justify the imposition of sanctions, including fines, reimbursement of reasonable attorney fees, and/or dismissal of the case or the entry of judgment against the offending party.(c) Only counsel fully familiar with the case and authorized by their clients to discuss settlement candidly shall appear at pre-trial and pre-trial settlement conferences. If an attorney does not have complete settlement authority, the party or person with full settlement authority shall accompany the attorney to the conference or shall be immediately available by telephone during the conference. Counsel shall be prepared to discuss all phases of the case and are required to bring the relevant portions of their files. Failure of counsel to appear or to state his or her position candidly or to bring all essential materials may result in the imposition of sanctions against the attorney or the client.(d) If a settlement conference is to be scheduled in a non-jury or equity case, at the time the court schedules the settlement conference on its motion, the court may assign the case to a judge, other than the assigned judge, for the purpose of holding the settlement conference. If the settlement conference is scheduled pursuant to the filing of a praecipe or written request filed by any party, the movant may also request the assignment of the case to a judge other than the assigned judge for the purpose of holding a settlement conference. Once the settlement conference is concluded, the case will then be returned to the assigned judge.(e) In aid of settlement, the trial judge may order a summary trial to be held in accordance with such rules and procedures he/she deems appropriate.Amended effective 1/1/2020; amended effective 7/1/2023.