Rule 6.012 - Settlement Conferences(1) If one party requests a pretrial settlement conference, or in cases designated by the court, a mandatory settlement conference shall be held. However, scheduling of a settlement conference is subject to judicial availability and a settlement conference shall not be scheduled so as to delay trial of the case. The pretrial settlement conference will not be required if the opposing party demonstrates good cause why the settlement conference should not be held.(2) The purpose of the settlement conference is to provide a forum to resolve disputes before trial through the active participation of counsel and the court. The attendance of all parties and their trial attorneys is required. When a party is insured, a representative of the insurance company with authority to settle the case shall be in attendance. Upon a showing of good cause, the judge conducting the settlement conference may excuse a party or insurance representative from personally appearing but may require him or her to participate by telecommunication.(3) Pretrial settlement conferences shall be conducted by a judge other than the assigned trial judge, unless all parties stipulate that the trial judge may also conduct the settlement conference. (4) For a meaningful settlement conference to occur, all attorneys and parties must participate in good faith. The failure of any person to comply with these rules, appear at, or participate in, a settlement conference, unless good cause is shown for any such failure may result in the court imposing appropriate sanctions as described in UTCR 1.090. Cases set for a settlement conference shall retain their place on the trial docket.(5) If settlement negotiations are not successful, counsel should be prepared to proceed to trial on the date scheduled. The court will make every effort to ensure the case proceeds to trial on the date scheduled.(6) If a settlement is reached, the parties shall place notice of the settlement on the record before the scheduled trial date, in accordance with UTCR 6.020.(7) Parties are required to file a detailed confidential settlement conference statement with the court, in the form prescribed by the settlement judge.Jackson Supp. L. R. 6.012
Amended effective 2/1/2024.