Local Rule LR 16.6: Reasonable Settlement Discussions

LR 16.6 Reasonable Settlement Discussions LR 16.5 will not be applied to inhibit reasonable settlement discussions. The court recognizes that good cause may exist for a belated change in position -- an important witness may fail to appear, counsel may learn that facts deemed provable are not provable, or a witness may change his testimony. But the rule will also be applied to take into account the difference between good cause for delay in settlement and negotiating tactics that, heedless of inconvenience to the court and the public, use imminent trial as a catalyst to attempt to increase or reduce an already acceptable offer. [Amended February 1, 2011]