D. Ariz. LRCiv 83.10

(a) Consideration of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Litigants in all civil

cases must consider the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) at an appropriate

stage in the litigation. As early as the scheduling conference held under Rule 16(b) of the

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or at any time requested by the parties, the court may

offer or parties may request to refer the action to a magistrate judge for the purpose of

holding a timely settlement conference (mediation), minitrial, summary jury trial, early

neutral evaluation, or other form of ADR. The court may require the parties to

participate only in mediation or early neutral evaluation.

(b) Confidentiality. All participants in a settlement conference or other form

of neutral evaluation referred to and presided over by a magistrate judge must maintain

the confidentiality of the proceedings, unless ordered otherwise by the presiding judge or

magistrate judge. This confidentiality shall not apply to orders setting and regulating the

ADR process.

(c) Disqualification. The provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 455 apply to any

magistrate judge to whom an action has been referred for ADR.

(d) No Delay in Case Processing. No party may offer ADR as a reason to

delay the processing of the case as established in the Rule 16 scheduling order.