New York Settlement Conferences & Trial Assignment (updated 10/06/08) is a process for resolving civil disputes in the state of New York. Through this process, parties involved in a dispute can meet with a third-party mediator, or settlement conference judge, to attempt to reach a mutually beneficial resolution. If a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute is scheduled for a trial. The types of New York Settlement Conferences & Trial Assignment — updated 10/06/08 include— - Pre-Trial Conferences: This is an initial meeting between the parties and the mediator, or settlement conference judge, to discuss the dispute and explore potential resolution options. — Settlement Conferences: This is a formal meeting between the parties and the mediator, or settlement conference judge, to attempt to resolve the dispute. The mediator facilitates the negotiations and helps the parties reach an agreement. — Trial Assignment: If the parties are unable to reach a resolution during the settlement conference, the dispute is assigned to a judge for a trial. The judge will then preside over the trial and make a decision on the dispute.