The Court typically itself holds or refers parties for a settlement conference at the end of fact discovery. If the case does not settle at that time, the Court will confer with counsel and issue dates for dispositive motions through trial (Phase II). The parties are free to engage in other ADR any time and are encouraged to contact the Court for assistance to that end.

Parties wishing to have a settlement conference with a Magistrate Judge must inform the Court at the earliest possible time to ensure adequate time for referral and scheduling. Once the referral is made, the parties will direct all communication regarding scheduling and settlement practices to the Magistrate Judge's chambers.