What happens at a pretrial conference in a civil case?
If a case is set for trial, the Judge, at the pre-trial, will set a schedule of events, including dates to comply with discovery, motions, and subpoenas. Please note: WE ARE NOT ATTORNEYS.
Can a case be settled at a pre trial conference?
Judges want to settle as many cases as possible and they will try their hardest to get your case to settle. But, some cases are not settled at the pre-trial conference and a trial will need to be set. This is the last option that should be considered because of time and possible costs to one or both parties.
What should I bring to a pretrial conference?
If you have kept any type of personal log regarding the progression of the case, bring that along with you as well. You will not bring any witnesses to the pretrial conference – the only one attending is going to be you and your attorney. Most importantly, come to the conference prepared and with a game plan.
If a case is set for trial, the Judge, at the pre-trial, will set a schedule of events, including dates to comply with discovery, motions, and subpoenas. Please note: WE ARE NOT ATTORNEYS.
Judges want to settle as many cases as possible and they will try their hardest to get your case to settle. But, some cases are not settled at the pre-trial conference and a trial will need to be set. This is the last option that should be considered because of time and possible costs to one or both parties.
Why is it important to attend a pretrial hearing?
If a pretrial hearing has been scheduled in your civil case it is important that all parties attend, as the pretrial hearing’s purpose is to narrow the issues before trial on the matters. Narrowing the issues in a civil case will allow the matter to be handled in a more efficient manner.
Can a scheduling conference be held in a civil case?
As under the prior rule, while a scheduling order is mandated, a scheduling conference is not. However, in view of the benefits to be derived from the litigants and a judicial officer meeting in person, a Rule 16 (b) conference should, to the extent practicable, be held in all cases that will involve discovery.