If the parties are trying to negotiate a settlement, the ELJ will frequently ask, in the form of an order, for the parties to file a status report to keep the ELJ apprised of the parties' progress toward settlement. At times, the ELJ will order specific information to be included in the status report, and may set a deadline for filing the status report. However, a simple statement that tells the ELJ what is happening with the litigation is usually sufficient. It is not necessary to inform the ELJ of the details of settlement negotiations.