Melkonian v. County of Fresno

Filing 19

ORDER Regarding Settlement Conference Procedures signed by Magistrate Judge Gary S. Austin on 1/3/2014. (Martinez, A)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

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EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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BRIEN MELKONIAN,

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Plaintiff,

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No. 1:13-cv-01009-GSA

v.

ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCE PROCEDURES

COUNTY OF FRESNO,

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Defendant.

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Consideration of settlement is a serious matter that requires thorough preparation prior to

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the settlement conference. Provided below are the procedures this Court will employ when

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conducting the settlement conference scheduled for February 21, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.

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A. Required Pre-Settlement Conference Communications

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A settlement conference is more likely to be productive if the parties have exchanged

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written settlement proposals in advance of the conference. Accordingly, at least twenty-one (21)

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calendar days prior to the settlement conference, plaintiff’s counsel shall submit a written

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itemization of damages and a good faith settlement demand to defendant’s counsel with a brief

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explanation of why the demand is appropriate. Thereafter, but no later than seven (7) calendar

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days prior to the settlement conference, defendant’s counsel shall submit a good faith written

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offer to plaintiff’s counsel with a brief explanation of why the offer is appropriate.

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On occasion, this process will lead directly to a settlement. If settlement is not achieved,

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plaintiff’s counsel shall deliver or fax copies of all settlement proposals along with his/her

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Confidential Settlement Conference Statement to chambers. Copies of these documents are not to

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be filed on the court docket.

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B. Confidential Settlement Conference Statement

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At least four (4) calendar days prior to the settlement conference, the parties shall submit

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the Confidential Settlement Conference Statement to Judge Austin’s chambers via

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[e-mail]. This statement shall include the following:

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the party’s respective complaint or answer;

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2.

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A description outlining the factual and legal contentions upon which the

parties agree or disagree;

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A brief statement identifying those facts that support each cause of action

or affirmative defense;

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A list of all elements of each cause of action or affirmative defense pled in

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A description identifying the impediments to settlement, including

financial, emotional or legal concerns;

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5.

A summary of the settlement attempts to date;

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A statement of the specific relief sought; and

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A statement identifying any third party (i.e., lien holder, etc.) with a legal

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interest in this action.

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C. Attendance

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The attorneys who will try the case shall appear at the settlement conference accompanied

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by the named parties and all persons having authority to negotiate the settlement.1 If appropriate,

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the principal representative shall have approval to settle the action on the terms consistent with

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the opposing party’s most recent demand.

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Insurance carriers, business organizations, and governmental agencies whose settlement agreements are
subject to approval by legislative bodies, executive committees, boards of directors, et cetera, shall be represented by
a person or persons who occupy high executive positions in the party organization and who will be directly involved
in the process of approval of any settlement offers or agreements.

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D. Mediation Format.

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A mediation format will be employed during the settlement conference. The lawyers, the

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parties, and all representatives must be fully prepared and will be expected to participate. The

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Court encourages all participants to be flexible and to reassess their previous positions, as well as

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put to forth their best efforts toward reaching a mutually agreeable settlement.

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E. Statements Inadmissible

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The Court expects full and candid participation during the settlement conference. With

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this in mind, statements made by any party or attorney during the settlement conference are not to

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be used in discovery and will not be admissible at trial.

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F. Sanctions

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Failure to follow this procedure will result in removal of the settlement conference from

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the Court’s calendar and may result in additional sanctions.

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IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated:

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January 3, 2014

/s/ Gary S. Austin
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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DEAC_Signature-END:

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