A Settlement Conference is an informal meeting where a judge tries to explore the reasons why a case is not settling.  Both sides have to submit to the Settlement Judge a position statement, setting forth the good parts and bad parts of their case.  He does not share this with the other side.  Normally, he will meet briefly with both sides together and then individually with the two sides, shuttling back and forth to see if the case can be settled.  He does not have the authority to make anyone settle, or do anything else.  Nothing that happens at the Settlement conference can be used by trial by either side.  The Superior Court strongly urges parties to agree to settlement conferences.