Small Claims Settlement Conference Preparation Checklist (20:App J)

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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on June 24, 2023.



Settlement Conference Preparation Checklist

1. Be prepared to define the issues
2. List who will attend settlement conference
3. Authority to settle: obtain instructions and ensure a representative with authority to settle is in attendance
4. List who will speak to what issues
5. Witnesses: how many and names/evidence
6. Expert witnesses: bring report or summary of opinion expected
7. Expected schedule for delivery of expert reports
8. Documents to be sought and schedule for delivery
9. List documents to bring
10. Consider admissions or seek agreed facts, or alternative methods of proof
11. Time estimate for trial, available dates for counsel and witnesses
12. Other orders: in advance of trial, consider if a separate hearing will be required for one or more of the following:
(a) summary judgment or dismissal
(b) production of other documents or evidence
(c) addition of parties or amendment of pleadings
(d) change of venue
(e) consolidation of claims, joining trials
(f) inspection or preservation of property
(g) independent medical examination
13. Ask the judge to review the prospect of the penalties in Rules 10.1, 20(5) and 20(6)
SOURCE: Small Claims Court - 1994, Continuing Legal Education Society Manual.
NOTE: The Small Claims BC website has its own Settlement Conference Checklist
NOTE: For trial conferences under the pilot project in Vancouver (Robson Square), at least 14 days in advance of the conference, each party is required to complete a Trial Statement (Form 33) and file it, along with all relevant documents, at the registry (Rule 7.5(9)). Each party must serve the other parties to the claim with a copy of the trial statement and attachments at least 7 days before the trial conference (Rule 7.5(10)).


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