Stacy Garcia moderates TEX-ABOTA Panel on Pretrial Conferences
Attorney Stacy Garcia recently had the honor of moderating a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) panel on Pretrial Conferences, hosted by TEX-ABOTA on April 1, 2025. The panel, titled "Pretrial Conferences - Do’s and Don’ts," featured esteemed judges and legal professionals, including Judge Christine Weems (281st District Court of Harris County, Texas), Judge Tanya Garrison (157th District Court of Harris County, Texas), and MaryOlga “Mo” Lovett.
The CLE panel provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of pretrial conferences, focusing on strategies for both large and small cases. Here are some key highlights from the discussion:
Stacy Garcia kicked off the session by introducing the panelists and outlining the importance of pretrial conferences in trial preparation. She emphasized how these conferences offer a critical opportunity for attorneys to solidify their preparation and secure rulings that can significantly impact the course of a trial.
The panel delved into the complexities of preparing for large case pretrial conferences, which are typically scheduled in advance of voir dire. Key topics included:
Identifying Evidentiary Issues
Briefing of Evidentiary Issues
Quickly Understanding the Judge’s Tolerance for Arguments of Counsel
Management of the Joint Pretrial Order (JPTO) in Federal Court
For smaller cases, where pretrial conferences are held on the same day the jury panel is seated, the panelists discussed:
Identifying the Most Important Evidentiary Concern
Prioritizing Issues in Limited Time
Managing Evidence on the Fly, after Rulings
The discussion also covered how attorneys can adapt their case strategy quickly based on pretrial rulings. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, allowing attendees to engage with the panelists and gain further clarity on the topics discussed.
Stacy Garcia’s role as moderator was pivotal in guiding the discussion and ensuring that the panel provided practical, actionable advice for attorneys preparing for pretrial conferences. Her expertise and leadership were evident throughout the session, making it a valuable learning experience for all attendees. This CLE panel is a testament to Stacy Garcia’s commitment to legal education and her dedication to helping fellow attorneys navigate the complexities of trial preparation.
