Washington Settlement Conference — StandinOrderde— – Magistrate Judge Dimke is a process designed to facilitate settlements in civil cases in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The process is presided over by Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler Dike. It requires parties to meet with the Magistrate Judge on the date set forth in the Court's Standing Order and discuss the possibility of settlement. The parties must appear in person at the settlement conference with their attorneys, and must have full settlement authority. The Standing Order sets forth the procedures for the conference, including what documents and information the parties must provide to the Magistrate Judge prior to the conference. All settlement conferences are confidential and privileged under the Federal Rules of Evidence and there is no transcript or recording of the proceedings. The goal of the Washington Settlement Conference — StandinOrderde— – Magistrate Judge Dimke is to provide an informal, voluntary process where parties can discuss the issues in dispute and explore potential resolutions. This process is typically faster and less expensive than other forms of dispute resolution such as mediation or litigation.