Judicial Pretrial Conferences
As part of an ongoing effort to enhance the efficiency and accessibility to our courts, I am pleased to announce a new initiative for civil cases in Division II of the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. Starting next month, I will be hosting virtual Judicial Pretrial Conferences to streamline civil case management, reduce court congestion, and promote more timely resolutions.
What’s a Judicial Pretrial Conference
A Judicial Pretrial Conference (JPC) is an informal virtual meeting ( via Zoom) offered by the Court to attorneys of represented parties in civil cases. Other than being limited to civil cases where the parties are represented, JPCs can be used to address a broad range of common issues in civil cases, including:
- Case Management: Reviewing the progress of the case, setting timelines, and scheduling future proceedings.
- Discovery Disputes: Resolving disagreements over the scope, timing, or methods of discovery.
- Orders to Mediate: Facilitating negotiations between lawyers to establish a timeframe for completing mediation and/or selection of a mediator.
- Interim Orders: Considering requests for temporary orders or injunctions before a full trial.
- Pretrial Issues: Addressing procedural matters, such as witness lists, exhibits, and trial logistics.
- Guardian Ad Litem or Special Master Appointment: Responding to requests for the appointment of a Guardian or Special Master.
- Miscellaneous Issues: Any other matters relevant to the case that require judicial intervention or guidance.
Here’s what Judicial Pretrial Conferences Aren’t
JPCs are not on the record; if a court reporter is needed, request a traditional in-court hearing. JPCs are not for parties or self-represented litigants; rather, they are informal conferences for the court and attorneys only. JPCs are not evidentiary hearings; there won’t be any “testifying” or entering evidence. And last, JPCs are not final hearings; this means parties will always retain the right to request a full hearing if the outcome of the JPC is not satisfactory.
