Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 104 - Administrative Hearings Office and Labor and Industry Department
Chapter 1400 - APA PROCEEDINGS; EXPENSES AND ATTORNEY FEES
CONTESTED CASE HEARINGS
Part 1400.6550 - SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE

Subpart 1. Purpose.

A settlement conference is for the primary purpose of assisting the parties in resolving disputes and for the secondary purpose of narrowing the issues and preparing for hearing as in part 1400.6500, subpart 1.

Subp. 2. Scheduling.

Upon the request of any party or the judge, the chief judge shall assign the case to another judge for the purpose of conducting a settlement conference. Unless both parties and the judge agree, a unilateral request for a settlement conference will not constitute good cause for a continuance. The conference shall be conducted at a time and place agreeable to all parties and the judge. It shall be conducted by telephone if any party would be required to travel more than 50 miles to attend, unless that party agrees to travel to the location set for the conference. If a telephone conference is scheduled, the parties must be available by telephone at the time of the conference. Where mediation between the parties has previously occurred, a settlement conference will not be ordered unless all parties agree.

Subp. 3. Procedures at conference.

All parties shall attend or be represented at a settlement conference. Parties or their representatives attending a settlement conference shall be prepared to participate in meaningful settlement discussions.

Subp. 4. Preconference discussions.

The parties shall discuss the possibility of settlement before a settlement conference if they believe that a reasonable basis for settlement exists.

Subp. 5. Information provided.

At the settlement conference, the parties shall be prepared to provide the information and to discuss all matters required by part 1400.6500, subpart 1.

Subp. 6. Orders.

If, following a settlement conference, a settlement has not been reached but the parties have reached an agreement on any facts or other issues, the judge presiding over the settlement conference shall issue an order confirming and approving, if necessary, those matters agreed upon. The order is binding on the judge who is assigned to hear the case.