If you've already read up on Small Claims Court's process and the term "trial management conference" wasn't part of it, that's not necessarily out of date information — it's a genuinely newer addition. A set of amendments to Ontario's Rules of the Small Claims Court came into force on June 1, 2025, and one of the more notable changes was a new framework for exactly this kind of conference.
A newer step in the process
The June 2025 amendments added a new rule specifically covering trial management conferences, held at the direction of the court. The rule is framed as something the court may require, generally once a case has been set down for trial, rather than something automatic in every case — so whether one applies to your matter is worth confirming directly with the court handling it.
What a trial management conference is for
Based on the framework introduced in 2025, a trial management conference is generally meant to confirm the parties' readiness for trial, narrow or resolve specific issues before the trial itself, continue to encourage settlement where realistic, and help set an actual trial date where the matter is genuinely ready to proceed. In that sense it functions as a checkpoint — a chance to deal with loose ends before trial, rather than discovering them on the trial date itself.
A different judge than your trial
One specific, practical detail worth knowing: the judge who presides at your trial management conference generally does not then preside at your trial. This is a deliberate feature of the rule, not an oversight — it allows the trial management conference judge to discuss the case somewhat more freely, including its strengths, weaknesses, and settlement prospects, without that conversation affecting the judge who will actually decide the case.
How this differs from a settlement conference
A settlement conference generally happens earlier in a case, required before most matters can proceed further, and focuses on exploring settlement and the next procedural steps. A trial management conference happens later — specifically once a case is set down for trial — and focuses on trial readiness specifically, rather than being a first attempt at settlement. Many cases will go through both at different stages, for different reasons.
How to prepare
Treat a trial management conference the way you'd treat any step where the court wants an honest status update: know exactly what evidence and witnesses you intend to bring, understand what issues genuinely remain in dispute, and be ready to discuss realistic settlement if that's still on the table. See preparing for trial and self-represented litigant tips for the broader preparation habits that help at this stage and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
What is a trial management conference?
A relatively new step, introduced to the Rules of the Small Claims Court effective June 1, 2025, that the court may require once a case is set down for trial. It's meant to confirm readiness for trial, narrow or resolve issues, encourage settlement, and help set the trial date.
Is a trial management conference mandatory?
The rule is framed as something the court may require rather than something that automatically applies to every case — confirm with your specific court whether one has been scheduled or required for your matter.
Will the same judge who hears my trial management conference also hear my trial?
No — the rules specifically provide that the judge who presides at a trial management conference does not then preside at the trial itself.
How is this different from a settlement conference?
A settlement conference generally happens earlier in a case and focuses on exploring settlement and procedural next steps. A trial management conference happens later, once a case is set down for trial, and focuses specifically on trial readiness.