The attorneys for the parties missed the mediation deadline set by the Court, twice. They ultimately did mediate, and did settle some of the claims in the case. The Court sanctioned them, however, finding that their explanations for missing the deadlines were inadequate and without good cause. The Court noted that North Carolina’s Rules Implementing Statewide Mediated Settlement Conferences in Superior Court Actions do not provide for sanctions, but held that it had the inherent power to impose sanctions for wilful failure to comply with the rules of court. The sanction was minimal, $100 per lawyer.
