A. Scheduling/Status

When a case has been referred for all pretrial proceedings or for all discovery, the court may hold status, scheduling, or discovery conferences as required. If counsel believes that any such conference would be productive, counsel may request one by calling the case manager. This conference may be in person or by telephone.

B. Settlement

Facilitation is a valuable part of the litigation process and the court encourages the parties and counsel to consider voluntary settlement conferences when and where appropriate. The court is willing to serve as a facilitator upon the parties’ request and/or an order of reference. Facilitated settlement conferences are usually set to begin at 10:00 a.m., and the court will be prepared to devote the entire day for the conference. Counsel’s and their clients’ schedules should be cleared for the entire day. Trial counsel and all persons with ultimate and final settlement authority must be present. After a settlement conference has been scheduled, the court sends a Notice with additional information.