The purpose of the conference is to review the case, to assist the parties in narrowing issues and determining the scope of discovery, and to schedule a hearing date. Not less than seven days before the hearing, parties may serve objections to the offered documentary evidence. The arbitration hearing must be held within 120 days of the date of the prehearing conference. Arbitration hearings are held at the courthouse and are arranged by the ADR administrator. Length of hearing.
Hearings usually last four to eight hours.
Program features Party roles and sanctions. Either the parties or their counsel must attend the arbitration prehearing conference. Parties should also attend the arbitration hearing. The assigned judge retains supervisory authority over cases in arbitration and may issue sanctions, if necessary, for noncompliance with the arbitration process. Filing of award.