Does not mean judge is ‘ordering’ parties to settle
Talks could help judge assess merits if no agreement
Dismissal of both cases still on table
MANDEVILLE — A federal judge has ordered a “settlement conference” in the ongoing lawsuits between Woodward Harbor LLC and the LSU Health Foundation New Orleans, and the City of Mandeville and Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman.
The order doesn’t mean that U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long is actually “ordering” the parties to settle the cases. Instead, it suggests that they at least attempt discussions to assess the current state of affairs before he goes any further. It’s been 14 months since the lawsuits were filed and Long is not the original judge assigned to the case.
According to a minute entry filed on January 31st, Long held a status conference with attorneys representing both parties.
After the discussions, the court instructed counsel to contact U.S. Magistrate Judge Eva J. Dossier to schedule a settlement conference in February.
The lawsuits, filed in 2023, have been a contentious issue in Mandeville, with developers and city officials at odds over zoning and property rights.
The city and Zuckerman had previously filed motions to dismiss the cases, but with this latest order, a settlement becomes at least a possibility, albeit unlikely, given the nature of the cases and the central question of home-rule legislative authority.
While the order does not take dismissals off the table, judges can require settlement conferences before hearing cases like these for numerous reasons which may include the following:
- Reduces court backlog by freeing time for trials.
- Saves judicial resources and time by avoiding lengthy hearings and evidence review.
- Helps judges evaluate merits informally, potentially encouraging reconsideration or expediting dismissal.
More updates will follow as the legal proceedings continue.
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Mandeville Daily 
This Administration is a magnet for lawsuits. Settlements are expensive in terms of quality time lost, legal fees and potential payouts. The public perception of this Administration on the west side of town is very poor. It was my hope that some fresh faces on the council with legal expertise would bring an enlightened perspective to city business. That has not occurred. Keep an eye on OGS!
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