LR 16.5 will not be applied to inhibit reasonable settlement discussions. The court recognizes
that good cause may exist for a belated change in position -- an important witness may fail to
appear, counsel may learn that facts deemed provable are not provable, or a witness may change
his testimony. But the rule will also be applied to take into account the difference between good
cause for delay in settlement and negotiating tactics that, heedless of inconvenience to the court
and the public, use imminent trial as a catalyst to attempt to increase or reduce an already
acceptable offer. [Amended February 1, 2011]
