Do I need to attend a judicial settlement conference?

A judicial settlement conference is a confidential, without prejudice meeting facilitated by a judge who does not later hear the case if it proceeds. The judge does not decide the dispute but helps the parties explore settlement by exploring strengths and weaknesses, and giving a frank view of risk. Attendance by a person with authority to settle is normally expected, and courts take non-attendance seriously. Even parties who appear far apart often move after hearing a realistic assessment, and settlement at this stage saves considerable cost and stress. You should prepare by discussing with your lawyer what outcome you would accept and what is negotiable. Anything said at the conference cannot be used later in the case.