Pre-trial case management

Pre-trial case management is the stage where a judge or registrar oversees the progress of a filed claim before it reaches trial, setting deadlines and checking that both sides are moving the case forward.

It typically includes directions for exchanging documents, encouraging settlement discussions, and fixing dates for the next steps, part of why most claims do not end up going to trial. Many cases settle during this stage once both sides see the full picture of evidence.

Missing a case management date can cause real delays, so it is worth keeping track of them closely.

Attending these sessions, whether in person or through a representative, shows the court that a claim is being actively pursued rather than left to lapse.