Mediation and ADR
Settlement conference
Also called judicial settlement conference
A meeting where the parties and their lawyers try to settle with the help of an impartial person, often a judge or experienced lawyer, who may evaluate the case and suggest terms.[1][2]
In more detail
Maryland's courts say a settlement conference may include neutral case evaluation and fact-finding.[1] In federal court, a magistrate judge usually runs it, sometimes using mediation techniques and giving views on the case; the judge who would preside at trial generally does not.[2]
Varies by state
Who runs settlement conferences, and how, differs by court. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Evaluative mediationA style or process in which the neutral gives an opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of each side's case, or on what a court might do, to help the parties settle.
- SettlementWhen the parties resolve their dispute without a trial, usually by agreement and often with a payment, but generally without an admission of fault.
- Magistrate judgeA judicial officer of a federal district court who handles many pretrial matters and, if all parties consent, can preside over some civil cases.
- Moderated settlement conferenceA Texas ADR process in which each side presents its position to a panel of impartial third parties, who may give a nonbinding advisory opinion on liability, damages or both.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Settlement conference: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/settlement-conference/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.