SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE
[Please be advised that the information provided is not to be constituted as legal advice]
After the parties have completed a case conference, the next step is usually a settlement conference. The purpose of a settlement conference is the following:
- exploring the chances of settling the case
- settling or narrowing the issues in dispute
- ensuring disclosure of the relevant evidence
- settling or narrowing any issues relating to any expert evidence or reports on which the parties intend to rely at trial
- noting admissions that may simplify the case
- if possible, obtaining a view of how the court might decide the case
- considering any other matter that may help in a quick and just conclusion of the case
- if the case is not settled, identifying the witnesses and other evidence to be presented at trial, estimating the time needed for trial and scheduling the case for trial; and
- organizing a trial management conference or holding one if appropriate