Rule 20 Case management conference etc.
Where it appears to the Tribunal that any proceedings would be facilitated by holding a case management conference or pre-hearing review the Tribunal may, on the request of a party or of its own initiative, give directions for such a conference or review to be held.
Unless the Tribunal otherwise directs, a case management conference is to be held as soon as practicable after the filing of an appeal, whether or not the time for service of the defence has expired.
The purpose of a case management conference or pre-hearing review is—
to ensure the efficient conduct of the proceedings;
to determine the points on which the parties must present further argument or which call for further evidence to be produced;
to set a timetable up to an oral hearing in the proceedings, and, if appropriate, fix a date for that hearing;
to clarify the forms of order sought by the parties, their arguments of fact and law and the points at issue between them;
to hear and determine any submissions in relation to the admission of evidence;
to determine any issues relating to confidentiality;
to ensure that all agreements that can be reached between the parties about the matters in issue and the conduct of the proceedings are made and recorded;
to facilitate the settlement of the proceedings.
The Tribunal may authorise the President or a chairman to carry out on its behalf a case management conference, pre-hearing review or any other preparatory measure relating to the organisation or disposal of the proceedings.