The Court encourages the parties to consider voluntary settlement conferences when and where appropriate. The Court is willing to serve as a facilitator upon the parties’ request and/or upon an order of reference. These conferences will be held in chambers and trial counsel and all persons with ultimate settlement authority must be present. A short, concise statement of the issues is to be submitted by each side directly to chambers at least seven days prior to the settlement conference. The statement shall be limited to five pages and shall include the following:

-A short summary of the facts, including a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the case,

-The parties’ position on settlement including a present settlement proposal,

-A report on settlement efforts to date and reasons for rejection of any offers, and

-If not already part of the court file, copies of any critical agreements, business records, photographs or other documents or exhibits must be attached to the settlement statement.