Pretrial Conference
You may hear the term "pretrial conference" and wonder what that means. Another term for it is a settlement conference. It is a meeting between the judge and the lawyers, usually in the judge's office (known as the judge's chambers). Clients wait out in the courtroom. Usually, the judge will not look at any paperwork, but will simply hear each attorney explain his or her client's position. The judge will then give a 'recommendation' that is not a court order, but does have some weight -- after all, it is one judge's opinion of what the probable outcome of a trial or hearing will be. Obtaining the recommendation of a judge can help both parties adjust their strategy, or get them closer to settling the case.