Local Rule D.C.COLO.LCivR 16.6: ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

D.C.COLO.LCivR 16.6 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(a) Alternative Dispute Resolution. Under 28 U.S.C. § 652, all litigants in civil actions shall consider the use of an alternative dispute resolution process. A district judge or a magistrate judge exercising consent jurisdiction may direct the parties to engage in an early neutral evaluation or other alternative dispute resolution proceeding. To facilitate settlement or resolution of the suit, the district judge or a magistrate judge exercising consent jurisdiction may stay the action in whole or in part during a time certain or until further order. Relief from an order under this rule may be requested by motion showing good cause.

(b) Definition of Early Neutral Evaluation. Early neutral evaluation means a nonbinding, non-adjudicative assessment of a case by a magistrate judge.

(c) Disqualification of Neutrals. A magistrate judge providing early neutral evaluation may be disqualified under the provisions of 28 U.S.C. §§ 144 or 455.

(d) Designation of Court ADR Administrator. Under 28 U.S.C. § 651(d), the clerk of the court is designated to implement, administer, oversee, and evaluate the court's alternative dispute resolution program.

(e) Confidentiality. A party or the magistrate judge in an alternative dispute resolution proceeding shall not voluntarily disclose or through discovery or compulsory process be required to disclose any information concerning any communication provided in confidence to the magistrate judge in connection with an early neutral evaluation or other alternative dispute resolution proceeding.