Rule IV Authority to Settle

Here's a plain English summary of this rule:

Lawyers for everyone involved in the case must show up to the mediation session, unless a judge says otherwise. This isn't optional. Each side also needs to have someone there who can actually agree to a settlement on the spot, not just a representative who has to check with someone else first.

This matters because mediation only works if the people in the room can make real decisions. If a company sends someone who has to call their boss before agreeing to anything, the whole process slows down or falls apart. The rule makes sure that when everyone sits down at the table, they can actually reach a deal that day if they want to.

The only way around this requirement is if a judge specifically excuses someone from attending or from having full settlement authority. Without that kind of court order, both the lawyers and the decision-makers for each side are expected to be present and ready to negotiate.