How to prepare for a case management conference?

No worries..

We have got you covered.

But before that, there are a few things an Authority officer will inform you:

• The purpose of your case management conference
• When the conference will take place
• How long it’s likely to take
• The answers to the queries you might have regarding how the conference will work

Well, let’s get started then.

The Attendees in the Case Management Conference

So who can attend your case management conference?

Well, all parties involved in the case which includes attorneys representing each side and the litigants themselves.

If required, translators are provided to assist people with disabilities. It’s best to confirm with their Authority officer beforehand. 

During The Conference: What To Expect

The CMC is basically the judge meets up with the parties involved in the case to discuss it.

There are situations where the judge asks to meet the parties separately to discuss each side of the case.

The outcome of the meeting differs from case to case.

During the meeting, inputs from the Judge for both parties on the case includes:

• The Judge’s evaluation of the strengths or weaknesses of each party’s evidence
• The Judge’s opinion of the statute or common law that might apply
• The Judge’s suggestions for possible resolution

Thus, you are expected to come prepared to the CMC.

Show up with all relevant documents.

At the end of this blog, the APPENDIX has a list of all the documents you will need for the Case Management Conference.

Keep in mind…

You or the person that shows up to the CMC must have FULL AUTHORITY to settle the matter.

RULES at the CMC

Hold on a second!

We are not done yet…

There are rules that need to be maintained when attending a CMC.

First, The Judge present during the CMC is not the TRAIL Judge.

So, parties attending are encouraged to speak freely.

Next, CMC discussions are “off the record”.

That must sound great

BUT…

If a trail is needed, the discussion cannot be made public knowledge by either party.

We have compared a Case management conference to a Trial proceeding.

It explains the weight of each of the meetings held for the parties involved in the same case. 

However, if there are points of agreement between the involved parties during the CMC, for which the Judge advises them that the points will be communicated to the trial Judge.

What Now That The CMC is Over?

What happens after a Case management conference?

Now, you will receive a written record from the Authority Officer.

The record will state what was agreed upon during the case management conference. 

This document is called Directions of the Authority.

What will you find in this document?

• Action steps you are required to take
• Information you must provide
• Any deadlines you must meet

After the CMC is over with, the next step is the Investigation Meeting

That’s a blog for another time.

Parting Thoughts

So if we sum it up for you…

A Case Management Conference ensures the progression of the case.

Addresses any issues or concerns that may arise during the course of litigation, 

This establishes a timeline for the case,

Deadlines are set for filing documents,

And discussion on potential settlement options take place. 

Are you still confused? Do you need assistance?

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How?

Hire a virtual legal assistant.

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APPENDIX

Your Documents:

• Identification: Valid ID is mandatory
• Invitation Letter: Review it beforehand to know the topic
• Pen and Paper: To take notes during the Conference
• Witness Information: list of potential witnesses, their contact information, and a summary of what they might testify.
• Potential Settlement Information
• Information on Availability 
• Questions: Be prepared with queries you might have for the Court

Forms: 

• Case Management Statement (Form CM-110)
• Proof of Service (Form POS-030)
• Plaintiff’s/Defendant’s List of Issues in Dispute (Form 3, Appendix A of the State Courts Practice Directions)
• Court Dispute Resolution(CDR)/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) form (Form 7, Appendix A of the State Courts Practice Directions)