A status conference is a meeting between the parties involved in a legal dispute and the court, usually presided over by a judge.
A status conference provides an opportunity for the parties to update the judge about the progress of the dispute, any changes in the status of the case, and where there is difficulty moving the case forward. The purpose of the conference is to ensure an equitable resolution or trial of the case in a timely manner.
The status conference gives the judge the chance to assess the parties’ positions, narrow the issues in dispute, discuss the settlement potential, set deadlines, and mandate alternative dispute resolution such as mediation. During the conference, the court may also impose procedural rules or issue orders to ensure that all parties comply with applicable court rules.
Why Are Status Conferences Necessary?
Status conferences are used in civil litigation to move the case forward. When cases drag on for months or years, it can be difficult for the court to know the status of the case or the progress each of the parties has made. Status conferences provide the court with a forum to hear updates from the parties and gives the court the chance to intervene if the case is not progressing as it should.
Accordingly, status conferences can be an important part of the litigation process in helping to ensure that a case is resolved in an equitable and timely manner.