Donald Trump's attorneys agreed to seek Trump University lawsuit settlement

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Attorneys for President-elect Donald Trump agreed to begin settlement talks in a class-action lawsuit over the now-defunct Trump University after a federal judge encouraged an amicable agreement.

U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel on Thursday encouraged both sides to work with U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller on a possible settlement. Trump's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, said he was anxious to seek a settlement in light of the president-elect's busy schedule.

"I can tell you right now I'm all ears," Petrocelli told Curiel.

Former Trump University students allege they were bilked out of large sums of money for worthless classes through the for-profit school. During the presidential campaign, Trump questioned Curiel's fairness in the case because of his Mexican heritage. Also on Thursday, Curiel ruled against a request by Trump's legal team to ban testimony relating to Trump's conduct during the presidential campaign.

Curiel will decide by next week if he will allow the trial to be delayed. If a settlement cannot be reached, the trial is expected to begin Nov. 28.