Rule 8.012 - SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES - DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES(1) The Presiding Judge shall appoint a panel of qualified attorneys who shall preside over settlement conferences in all contested domestic relations cases where both parties are represented by counsel. Attorneys shall be selected to preside over settlement conferences in a rotating order. Litigants may not disqualify settlement attorneys, except where there is a conflict of interest as defined by the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct 1.7 to 1.9.(2) At the time set for trial readiness, the attorneys may request the case be assigned a settlement conference. The attorneys shall firmly believe the conference would be beneficial. The conference shall be held at the office of the settlement attorney unless the settlement attorney and the litigants otherwise agree and shall be held at least three (3) weeks prior to the trial date.(3) Each party shall participate in the settlement conference in good faith.(4) All information disclosed in the settlement conference shall be deemed privileged, settlement negotiations. (5) As soon as practical, the settlement attorney shall report in writing to the trial judge regarding the outcome of the settlement conference, including any violations of this rule. All agreements shall be reduced to writing and signed by the parties. In the event that settlement negotiations do not result in a complete settlement, counsel should be prepared to proceed to trial on the date scheduled.Amended effective 2/1/2024.