In a Decision – Swift v Swift. (an "Unreported Decision") >> the Court Held:
When a party refuses or repeatedly fails to appear at a scheduled ESP conference ,the court in its discretion may strike and dismiss the party’s pleadings.
At the Early Settlement Panel conference, both the parties and their attorneys (if they are represented), generally have an opportunity to sit down and discuss the issues in their case with the assigned ESP panelist. Al discussions, negotiations, offers, and counter-offers are confidential, meaning that if the case does not settle, neither party is permitted to reveal to the court what the party offered, counter-offered, or otherwise discussed during the conference. Panelists render non-binding, confidential, professional recommendations on methods of potential resolution.
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