Caption
Complete case caption with court name, docket number, and party names as they appear on filings.
A concise, compliant statement improves case management, reduces surprise at conference, and helps the judge set realistic timelines. It clarifies positions for opposing counsel, focuses motions and disclosures, and can limit evidentiary disputes before trial.
The Pre Trial Conference Statement is prepared by counsel or by self-represented parties and sent to the court and opposing counsel per local rules.
Courts, mediators, and settlement officers also review the statement to prepare agendas and determine whether additional pretrial procedures are needed.
Complete case caption with court name, docket number, and party names as they appear on filings.
Short summaries of each claim and defense, including statutory or common-law bases and any admissions or concessions.
List expected fact and expert witnesses with a brief description of testimony and estimated direct-examination time.
Numbered exhibit list with short descriptions and any stipulated exhibits or objections to exhibit authenticity.
Pending dispositive or evidentiary motions, unresolved discovery disputes, and proposed procedures for resolution.
Estimate of trial length, proposed trial dates, ADR status, and deadlines for disclosures and motions.
| E-file System | Register account with the court's approved e-filing vendor and confirm required file types. |
|---|---|
| Document Format | Use PDF/A format for exhibits when possible to preserve pagination and accessibility. |
| Signature Method | Select permitted signature type: typed name, drawn signature, or platform e-signature per local rules. |
| Authentication | Choose signer authentication: email link, SMS code, or stronger methods if required. |
| Notifications | Set auto-notify to confirm filing, service, and delivery to all parties. |
Courts and local rules differ on permitted file formats, signature methods, and e-filing portals; verify requirements before submitting.
Confirm the court's local rules for e-filing, acceptable signature types, and whether the court requires retention of native files or audio-video RON records when notarization is used.
Often due 7–14 days before the scheduled pretrial conference.
Expert reports typically due per scheduling order; Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 applies.
Due according to local rules, frequently 14 days before trial.
Exchange witness lists as prescribed in the scheduling order.
Exchange and exhibit pre-marking timelines set by the court.
Optica consolidated exhibits and witness summaries into a single document for the court
The organization standardized signature and exhibit handling across locations
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | No | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |