Settlement Discussions

Appeals. in Civil The attorneys for all parties to a civil appeal to the supreme court shall discuss the possibilities for prompt settlement of all or part of the appeal. The discussion may be conducted remotely. This discussion must occur by the date specified in the opening notice issued by the clerk of the appellate courts. By this date, the appellant’s attorney shall notify the clerk of the appellate courts that the parties discussed settlement under this rule and whether they reached a settlement on any issue on appeal. A settlement discussion is not required in an appeal filed under Rule 218(a)(3) or pursuant to AS 47.30.765 or AS 47.30.839, in an appeal in which a party is self-represented, or in an appeal that is exempted by the court. (Added by SCO 1374 effective April 15, 2001; amended by SCO 1825 effective October 15, 2014; and by SCO 2035 effective April 15, 2025) requested to do so by the settlement officer. If briefs are requested, they must be submitted directly to the settlement officer, who will return them to the parties who submitted them at the conclusion of the settlement proceedings. A party’s brief may not be disclosed to anyone, including any other party, without the submitting party’s consent and will not be available to the court. Counsel for a party may attend all conferences attended by that party. (2) Termination. After the initial joint conference and the first round of any separate conferences, a party may withdraw from the settlement proceedings, or the settlement officer may terminate the process if the officer determines that settlement efforts are likely to be unsuccessful. Upon withdrawal by a party or termination by the settlement officer, the settlement officer shall notify the court that settlement proceedings have been terminated. (e) Postponement of Briefing and Preparation of the Record. Settlement proceedings under this rule will not delay preparation of the record, briefing, or excerpts, except by order of the court. (f) Results. If the appeal is resolved or partially resolved as a result of the settlement conference, the parties shall seek an order of dismissal under Appellate Rule 511 as to all or part of the appeal. The parties shall take this action within fifteen days after the settlement proceedings have concluded.