Lancaster Cnty. C.P. Judge Jeffrey A. Conrad - Judge's Procedures IV

Request for Pre-Trial Conference. When a matter is ready for trial, either party may file

a request for a pre-trial conference and Chambers will contact counsel to schedule and

an Order will be issued setting a deadline for the pretrial statement. The pre-trial

statement shall be in the form prescribed by Pa. R.C.P. 212.2. It must be filed with the

Prothonotary with a courtesy copy delivered to Chambers via email to the Judge’s law

clerk and judicial administrative assistant. Following the pre-trial conference, a

Certification Order will be issued setting forth additional requirements for the exchange

of exhibits, lists of witnesses, time for filing motions in limine, etc. If counsel for either

party believes a final pre-trial conference is required prior to the morning of trial, they

shall contact Chambers after ascertaining from opposing counsel several possible dates

and times that counsel are available to attend.

Jury Instructions. Jury instructions are not required with respect to familiar points of law

not in dispute between the parties but the parties shall be prepared to list the subjects

they wish the court to cover. With respect to specific requests, they shall be submitted

in writing 5 business days prior to trial with a copy being provided to opposing counsel.

Amendments or supplements may be submitted at a charging conference to be held at

the close of evidence. Legal citation must accompany any proposed jury instruction or it

will not be considered.

Special Interrogatories to the jury if desired shall be submitted at the earliest convenient

time, and no later than the close of evidence.

Special Arrangements/Audio Visual Equipment. Any counsel seeking to publish exhibits

via an electronic format are required to utilize their own equipment. Any evidence that a

party plans to publish by projection shall have a corresponding hard copy which can be

marked and maintained for the record. Court personnel should not be expected or

depended upon to provide such service for any party or counsel, unless so ordered by

the Judge.

Continuances will not ordinarily be granted because of the unavailability of a witness,

particularly an expert witness. It a witness’s availability for trial is doubtful, counsel

should arrange for a video tape deposition.

Translators. Counsel are responsible for contacting the Lancaster County Court of

Common Pleas Language Access Coordinator if translators are needed or may utilize

privately retained translators provided that they are certified.