LRSC 1.  FIRST APPEARANCE

     (a)  The term "appear" means personal appearance of the
     parties involved.  At the first appearance, an employee or
     agent (not an attorney) may appear if that employee/agent
     has the sufficient facts in order to present the case, and
     is authorized to bind the party represented.

     (b)  If the plaintiff and defendant both appear on the
     assigned first appearance date the case will be assigned a
     mediator and will mediate that same day.  Mediation is
     mandatory before a trial is allowed.  Parties must bring
     their evidence to the mediation, however, no witnesses are
     allowed. The purpose of  mediation is to settle the case if
     possible; if no settlement is made at mediation, the case
     will be set for trial.  Attorneys and paralegals may not
     represent parties at mediation.  If the parties have already
     submitted the case to another type of mediation or
     arbitration service, the case may proceed directly to trial.
     If agreement is reached the parties will sign an agreement
     which will be entered into the record.  Parties will receive
     a copy of the agreement.  No judgment will be entered.  If
     the agreement is breached, the nonbreaching party may return
     to the court for judgment after serving and filing a motion
     and affidavit setting forth the failure to comply with the
     terms of the agreement.

     (c) If the plaintiff fails to appear, a dismissal will be
     entered. In cases where the defendant has filed a written
     counterclaim against the plaintiff and proof of service is
     presented, the defendant may be allowed judgment against the
     Plaintiff on the counterclaim.  Oral counterclaims are
     allowed only if both parties appear at the first hearing,
     and then only if the counterclaim arises out of the same
     transaction or event upon  which the Plaintiff's claim is
     based.

     (d) If the defendant fails to appear and proof of service is
     presented, and if the plaintiff's testimony supports the
     claim, the plaintiff will be granted a default judgment
     against defendant up to the amount claimed and for costs.

     (e)  If neither party appears the case will be dismissed
     without prejudice.