What is a pre-trial conference?

A pre-trial conference is a meeting between the lawyers of both parties of a court case that occurs prior to the actual trial. This conference allows both lawyers to discuss the facts of the case, potential legal issues or potential defenses that might be raised, and to discuss the possibility of settling the dispute without going to trial. In California, pre-trial conferences are usually presided over by either a judge or a magistrate. During the pre-trial conference, the lawyers involved in the case may be given the opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, and question parties involved in the dispute in order to try to reach a settlement. If a settlement is not reached, the pre-trial conference helps the court to determine what issues may need to be litigated at trial and how to expedite the trial proceedings. Pre-trial conferences are important because they help the court to better organize the trial, reduce the amount of time spent in trial and ensure that both parties are adequately prepared with their evidence and legal arguments.

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What is a pre-trial conference?

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