(a) In every small claim case in which the defendant has filed a timely response requesting a hearing, the court may schedule a pre-trial hearing.
(b) Attendance at the pre-trial hearing shall be mandatory. Anyone appearing on behalf of another, including an attorney, will be expected to have settlement authority or telephonic access to the represented party. Failure by either party to attend the pre-trial hearing shall result in a judgment in favor of the other party. If neither party appears at the pre-trial hearing, the case shall be dismissed. A default judgment shall not be stricken except upon a finding of good cause by the court.
(c) The court will provide the opportunity for parties to mediate on the day of the pre-trial hearing. The court may require parties in