Settlement Conferences

Appeals. in Civil (SCO 1374 effective April 15, 2001) (a) Motion for Settlement Conference. At any time after a notice of appeal is filed, a party may file a motion with the court requesting a settlement conference. The court may order the parties to participate in a settlement conference in response to such a motion, or on its own motion. (b) Settlement Officers. The court may appoint a retired justice or judge, an active judge, or a private neutral to serve as the settlement officer. If the court appoints a private neutral, costs will be borne equally by the parties unless the parties otherwise agree or the court orders costs to be apportioned differently. (c) Confidentiality. Settlement confer-ences will be held in private and are confidential. The settlement officer may report required attendance but shall not otherwise disclose or testify as to any aspect of the conference. The settlement officer shall not participate in subsequent judicial decisions related to the case, unless the parties have waived this disqualification. All conferences, submissions, and statements made in the course of the settlement proceedings required by this rule constitute offers to compromise and statements made in compromise negotiations and are inadmissible pursuant to Evidence Rule 408. This rule does not relieve any person of a duty imposed by statute. (d) Conduct of the Conference. (1) Conferences. The settlement conference will be conducted informally at a location designated by the settlement officer. The parties shall not submit settlement briefs unless PART III. PETITION FOR HEARING