Appeal Conferences

(a) Settlement Discussion. Parties are encouraged to discuss settlement and to attempt settlement prior to the conclusion of merits briefing. To the extent possible and without divulging confidential information, parties should also apprise the court of ongoing settlement discussions. (b) Mediation. Parties are encouraged to utilize the court’s mediation program in order to facilitate settlement. The court may adopt mediation guidelines with respect to mediation of the cases pending before this court. Those guidelines are binding on the parties.