What is a pre-trial conference?

A pre-trial conference is a meeting held between the attorney representing the parties involved in a court case. This includes the plaintiff, the defendant, and their respective attorneys. During the pre-trial conference, the attorneys of both parties will discuss the details of the case, and attempt to reach an agreement on certain matters. For example, they might discuss what evidence can be admitted in the trial, or potential witness testimony. The goal of the pre-trial conference is to resolve the issues before the case goes to court and potentially saves all parties involved both time and money. During the conference, parties can make settlement offers, or come to an agreement on certain aspects of the case without going to court. If possible, both parties will attempt to avoid having the case go to court. In Washington, pre-trial conferences are usually held in front of a judge or magistrate, who will oversee the proceedings and help the parties come to an agreement. The pre-trial conference will typically occur after all evidence has been gathered, and both parties have been served with notice of the court case. Ultimately, a pre-trial conference is an opportunity for the attorneys of both parties to come to an agreement before having to proceed to a full trial. It is an efficient way to hopefully resolve the issues of a court case without going through a full trial.

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What is a pre-trial conference?

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