What is the primary purpose of the Rule 26(f) discovery conference?

• A. Consider Claims, Defenses, Possibility Of Settlement
• B. Set Trial Date
• C. Determine Expert Fees
• D. File Dispositive Motions

Answer: (A)

The main purpose of the Rule 26(f) discovery conference is to plan discovery and, importantly, to explore the possibility of settling the case. At this conference, the parties discuss the claims and defenses to understand the scope of discovery needed and to set a realistic discovery plan, including initial disclosures, what information will be exchanged, preservation of evidence, and scheduling. They also consider whether the case can be resolved without extensive discovery through settlement.

This is not primarily about setting a trial date, determining expert fees, or deciding to file dispositive motions. Those steps come later or in different proceedings, whereas the conference is the point to align on what discovery will look like and to gauge whether early settlement is feasible.