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Free self-check · 20 questions

Trial Readiness Self-Check

Every case is a trial case until it is resolved. Twenty yes-or-no questions, in the same six areas Trial Commander measures on every matter, show where a file stands and which gaps to close first. Answer for one case at a time.

This self-check is a checklist, not legal advice. It does not assess how your case will turn out. Nothing you enter is saved or sent.

Pleadings

  1. 1.Have you confirmed, element by element, every cause of action and affirmative defense that is actually in the case?

  2. 2.Is the operative pleading final and on file?

  3. 3.Have initial disclosures been served, where your court requires them?

Discovery

  1. 4.Is every discovery response you owe served on time, or covered by a written extension?

  2. 5.Has an attorney reviewed each discovery deadline falling in the next 30 days?

  3. 6.Is every overdue response from the other side being followed up — a conferral letter, a hearing or a motion to compel?

  4. 7.Does every deposition you still need have a date before the discovery cutoff?

Expert preparation

  1. 8.Have you decided whether the case needs experts, and in which disciplines?

  2. 9.Is an expert retained for every discipline you need?

  3. 10.Are your experts disclosed by the deadline in the case management order?

  4. 11.Have the opposing experts been deposed — or a decision not to depose them recorded — before the expert discovery cutoff?

Evidence organization

  1. 12.Do you have a working exhibit list, with the foundation for each exhibit identified (who authenticates it, and any hearsay exception it needs)?

  2. 13.Is your witness list current, with the essential witnesses marked and an examination outline for each?

  3. 14.Have you mapped every element of every claim and defense to the evidence that proves it?

Motion practice

  1. 15.Is every response you owe to a pending motion served before it is due?

  2. 16.Does every pending motion have a next dated step — a hearing, a ruling or a deadline?

  3. 17.Have the authorities cited in your motions been checked to confirm they are still good law?

Trial preparation

  1. 18.Is the trial date or trial period on your calendar?

  2. 19.Is the case management order in the file, with every date it sets on your calendar — including the dispositive-motion, Daubert and motion-in-limine deadlines?

  3. 20.Is there a written trial-preparation plan for this case, and is it current?

Trial Commander measures this on every matter — the Readiness Score™, live for every firm.

The Readiness Score measures preparation completeness only. It does not assess how the case will turn out. It is not legal advice.

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