This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) is governed by California Rule of Court 3.1380, and local court rules. At an MSC, parties meet with a neutral person, usually a judge, to clarify the issues and discuss the possibility of settling the case before trial.
At the MSC your attorney will “meet and confer” with opposing counsel so they can discuss the issues and work toward a resolution. Some judges will get involved in the settlement negotiations by holding “chamber conferences,” but that might not be the case for you, since some judges don't bother.
The written statement must contain a concise statement of the material facts of the case and the factual and legal contentions in dispute. The statement must identify all parties and their capacities in the action and contain citations of authorities which support legal propositions important to resolution of the case.
One potential con is that engaging in settlement negotiations may portray to the other side that you are not confident in your case. However, this is most often not a concern and the potential risk can be mitigated by a skilled attorney.
In a settlement conference, a judge or volunteer attorney will be there to help you and the other party find a solution to your dispute. They won't make any decisions or orders in the case, but they will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your arguments and try to negotiate a settlement.
In a settlement conference, a judge or volunteer attorney assists the parties by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the case and attempting to negotiate a settlement of the dispute, but without making any decisions or orders in the case.
A conference can take place over several days or last just a few hours, depending on how things go and what needs to be addressed and agreed upon. If the spouses are able to reach an agreement during the settlement conference, their attorney will draw up an agreement that both spouses must sign.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND. Write a short version of the facts that led to the filing of this case. STATEMENT OF CLAIMS AND DEFENSES. List the plaintiff's claims. SUMMARY OF COURT PROCEEDINGS. FACTS IN DISPUTE. RELIEF SOUGHT. ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE SETTLEMENT. SETTLEMENT OFFERS.
Use positive, respectful and generous negotiating behavior to engender it in return and make it easier to influence the other side into accepting settlement proposals. Express a desire to meet the needs of the opposition so that they can repay the favor by meeting your needs.
Oftentimes, clients and their counsel will say, “Judge, what do you think is a fair settlement?”; and “Judge, how do you evaluate the case?” Parties can even take a more aggressive approach, urging me to “convince the other side why they're wrong and why they have no case.” I put them off in the initial caucus by ...