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BLAIR COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION MEDIATION PROGRAM - An alternative dispute resolution tool which utilizes the time and skills of several experienced members of the Blair County Bar who act as neutral mediators. This program provides the parties with an opportunity to expand and develop areas of agreement which can resolve their dispute at considerable savings of financial and human resources to everyone involved. Submission of cases to the Blair County Bar Association Mediation Program is voluntary, unless ordered otherwise.
BLAIR COUNTY LOCAL RULES - These rules apply to any civil matter of business coming before this Court, unless designated otherwise. They shall be cited as B.C.L.R.
NOTICE OF ARGUMENT/ HEARING - An Order of Court setting a date, time and location for hearing on a petition or motion requiring a decision of Court. See B.C. L.R. 301.
PRETRIAL CONFERENCE - A conference among counsel, the Court and such other persons as directed to be present or permitted to attend by the judge. The purpose shall be to discuss the posture of the case, including settlement, in an effort to prepare the case for trial. A formal narrative is required for this conference. See Pa. R. Civ. P. 212.2 - 212.3.
SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE/JUDICIAL MEDIATION - A meeting among counsel, litigants, the Court and other such persons as directed by the judge to be present in person for the purpose of resolving the action. This meeting shall be attended in person unless excused by the judge. All persons with settlement authority shall be required to attend unless specifically excused by the Court.
STATUS CONFERENCE - A conference among counsel and a court representative to take place early in the litigation or at any other point the Court deems necessary to move the case toward resolution. No pretrial narratives are necessary. Counsel should be prepared to discuss the present status of the lawsuit, appropriate time limits for discovery, and the possible use of alternative dispute resolution. The Court may set discovery deadlines at this time and may schedule a formal pretrial. See B.C. L.R. 300.
SUMMARY JURY TRIAL - A form of alternative dispute resolution to be scheduled upon request of the parties and/or at the discretion of the Court. The purpose of the summary jury trial is to provide an expedited proceeding which promotes settlement. The attendance of the parties with authority to settle, including insurance adjuster, is mandatory. See B.C. L.R. 302.
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