Cecil Cnty. Cir. Ct. Civil DCM Plan 4.2

Counsel is expected to have completed all discovery and taken all depositions (with the exception

of a deposition of expert witness to be used at trial). Pre-trial statements shall have been filed at

least five days prior to the settlement conference in accordance with Rule §2-504.2. Bringing the

pre-trial statement to the settlement conference rather than filing it five days prior is not acceptable,

as the settlement judge will not have time to review the statement prior to the beginning of the

conference. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a second settlement conference

having to be set, no trial date being assigned and/or sanctions imposed by the Court. Counsel is

expected to have attempted to resolve the case prior to attendance at settlement conference.

Remaining issues unresolved should be clearly identified. Counsel must be prepared at the time

of the settlement conference to meaningfully discuss settlement. Counsel shall bring trial

calendars to settlement so that if a settlement does not occur, a trial date may be assigned.

Attorneys are expected to have conferred with each other regarding amount of trial time which

will be required and number of jurors needed.

4.2.1 Failure of Attorneys to Properly Prepare for Settlement Conference.

In order to have a meaningful settlement conference, all counsel must be prepared in accordance

with this Plan and the scheduling order. Failure to properly prepare may result in a trial date not

being assigned, a second settlement conference being set, and/or sanctions being imposed by the

Court.

4.2.2 Failure of Attorney to Attend Settlement Conference.

If an attorney for a party in a case does not appear at settlement conference, which prevents

settlement discussions, an order may be passed requiring payment of expenses to attorney(s) who

appear.

5. Motions.