prefer, proffer

Prefer or prefer means to like better ( than something else )--
This is good, but I prefer my chicken broiled.
I prefer the blue one, but what do you think?

Prefer also means to give priority to, as in a legal settlment--
The court will prefer his creditors to his business partner, when this suit is settled.

Prefer is an old-fashioned term meaning to put forward, or to present for consideration or advancement--
He hoped that his uncle would prefer him for advancement, or at least a raise in salary.

Proffer or proffer may be a verb ( action word ), meaning  to tender an offer or proposal--
If their lawyer should proffer a cash settlement, call me at once.
They will be here tomorrow to proffer a merger, or to offer to buy the company outright.

Proffer may also be a noun ( thing or idea ), meaning, in an old-fashioned way, an offer or proposal for consideration--
They made a proffer of restitution, but the plaintiff rejected it.
Their friendly proffer of hospitality was accepted at once.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The firm may proffer an out-of-court settlement, but I prefer to go to trial."