All civil cases are eligible. The assigned judge or a magistrate judge selects the cases referred to settlement conferences.
Parties can seek to withdraw from the mandatory referral by motion.
A judge other than the assigned trial judge conducts the conference, which in most cases is held within forty-five days of the discovery cutoff, although it may be held earlier at the request of a party. Before the conference, each party files a brief, confidential settlement statement with the settlement judge. In addition to lead counsel, parties or insurers with full settlement authority are required to attend the conference, which is confidential. One judge has made occasional use of the summary jury trial. Of note Obligations of counsel.