(a) Setting conferences On the court's own motion or at the request of any party, the court may set a one or more mandatory settlement conferences. (Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2008; previously amended effective January 1, 1995, and July 1, 2002.) (b) Persons attending Trial counsel, parties, and persons with full authority to settle the case must personally attend the conference, unless excused by the court for good cause. If any consent to settle is required for any reason, the party