Conference Scheduling

Cases are scheduled for a mandatory Settlement Conference at the time of the setting of the trial date.  These conferences are generally scheduled for approximately four weeks prior to trial and are set Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

A party may stipulate to a voluntary Settlement Conference at any time by writing a letter of request to the Clerks Office, 500 Argonaut Lane, Jackson, CA, 95814.  The request must indicate that all parties agree to participate in the conference.  The clerk will then send a notice of settlement conference.

Settlement Conference Statement

Not less than five days prior to the scheduled conference, each party must submit  a Settlement Conference Statement. These documents are received by the Court but do not become a part of the permanent record (they are "received" stamped rather than "filed" stamped).  These statements assist the settlement conference judge in understanding the details of the case prior to the conference. 

Attendance

Pursuant to Local Rule 5.01(B)&(C), all persons whose consent is required to effect a binding settlement shall be personally present at the settlement conference unless they have been excused from attendance by the Presiding Judge.  Such request for excuse must be made no less than five Court days prior to the scheduled conference, with a copy of the request served on all parties.  

Any person who has been excused from attendance must remain immediately available by telephone throughout the conference.  

Continuing a Settlement Conference

Motions to continue a settlement conference and trial date are heard by the assigned judge.  If the parties wish, however, they can submit a stipulation and order to change the date of their conference as long as they remain within the three-week period before trial.  Parties stipulating to such a change may telephone the clerk at 209-257-2603.