The Court urges parties to undertake settlement negotiations at the earliest practicable point in the litigation.  It is this Court's standard practice to refer parties to the assigned Magistrate Judge to preside over settlement conferences.  Parties who desire a referral for a settlement conference should request one in open court or contact the Courtroom Deputy via e-mail at chez_chambers@ilnd.uscourts.gov. 

If circumstances suggest that it may be most productive for this Court to preside over a settlement conference, the Court may elect to do so with the parties' consent.  For settlement conferences proceeding before this Court, the parties must follow the procedures set forth in the Court's Standing Order for Settlement Conferences, available HERE.