In which phase of a lawsuit may a pretrial conference be called?

The pretrial conference is typically called during the interrogatory or pretrial discovery phase of a lawsuit. This phase is crucial for laying the groundwork for the trial. The primary focus of a pretrial conference is to facilitate the management of the case and set a timeline for the proceedings.

During this conference, both parties can clarify the issues at stake, discuss the evidence, and outline their arguments, which helps streamline the trial process. Courts often use this opportunity to encourage settlement discussions and to address any procedural matters that might affect the progression of the case.

By initiating discussions about discovery—the process of obtaining evidence from the opposing party—the pretrial conference plays a vital role in making the trial phase more efficient and organized, thereby fostering a more effective judicial process.