The purpose of the Final Pretrial Conference in a civil or criminal trial is to avoid surprises and to streamline the trial. At the conference, Judge Coleman will address pending motions in limine, witness and exhibit lists (including the pronunciation of witness names), objections to witnesses and exhibits, and proposed voir dire questions, and will discuss trial procedures and scheduling. Lead trial counsel fully prepared and with authority to discuss all aspects of the case must attend.  Any media/technical needs for presentation of the case by either side should be made known to the court at that time.

The Court directs counsels’ attention to Local Rule 54.2, which permits the Court to tax the parties for the cost of unused jury panels. 

The parties should review Judge Coleman's Trial Procedures in advance of the final pretrial conference.