G. Heilman Brewing Co. v. Joseph Oat Corp

871 F.2d 648 (7th Cir. 1989)

Facts

G. Heilman Brewing Co. (P) and Joseph Oat Corp. (D), were ordered by the court to send employees with full settlement authority to a pretrial conference. The purpose of the conference was to discuss disputed issues and any possibility of settlement. D did not comply as they only sent their attorney and an attorney authorized to speak on behalf of the principals of D. D was sanctioned for $5,860.01 pursuant to Rule 16(f) for the costs of attorneys’ fees to P for attending the conference. D appealed; the court lacked the power to compel represented parties to personally appear at conferences under Rule 16(a)(5).