In September 1997, the Chester County Bar Association commenced a voluntary Civil Settlement Conference Program to assist the Chester County Court of Common Pleas reduce its backlog of cases. Litigants and parties in a civil tort action who are interested in receiving an objective review from neutral attorneys can have their case conferenced before a panel of attorneys. Two experienced civil trial attorneys meet with the litigants (and at times their clients) to offer their opinion as to the value of the claim and to assist in settlement negotiations. The program is strictly voluntary with a focus on cases which are basically trial ready.

The panels consist of two attorneys - one from the plaintiff's bar and one from the defense bar who meet with the litigants at the courthouse for a session lasting approximately 45 minutes. The panels meet on the first Thursday of each month and review from three to six cases.

In the first year, approximately 25 cases were heard by volunteer panel members. Of the cases conferenced, approximately 15 settled either directly or indirectly as a result of the conference shortly thereafter. Most of these settled for a figure either very close to or exactly the number that the panel recommended.

Please call the Bar Association at 610.692.1889 in order to receive an application and other forms necessary to have your case in the program.