What is the primary purpose of a status conference?

The primary purpose of a status conference is to assess case progress and set future timelines. During a status conference, the judge and the parties typically discuss the status of the case, review any pending motions, evaluate the progress of discovery, and outline the next steps to move the case forward. This allows for adjustments to be made in the case schedule, ensures that the parties are on track, and helps avoid unnecessary delays in the proceedings.

In this context, the nature of a status conference is not to finalize court rulings, as that typically occurs during a subsequent court hearing or trial. It is also not focused on determining jury selection procedures, which is a more specific aspect of trial preparation. Lastly, while negotiations regarding settlement can occur during various phases of litigation, these are not the primary focus of a status conference, which aims more broadly to check in on the overall progress of the case and to ensure that all parties are aware of the upcoming requirements and deadlines.