The New York Preliminary Conference Order is a document issued by the New York State Supreme Court that is used to initiate and manage a civil action. It is a court-ordered process that typically includes a hearing and a review of the relevant facts and law. This document is often used to set the stage for a trial, mediate a dispute, or dismiss a case. The New York Preliminary Conference Order can be used in three different types of proceedings: a mandatory settlement conference, a voluntary conference, and a special referee conference. The mandatory settlement conference is held when the parties are unable to agree on the terms of the dispute and the court orders the parties to come together to attempt to reach a settlement. The voluntary conference is held when the parties voluntarily enter into a conference and agree upon the terms of a settlement. The special referee conference is used when the court appoints a third-party representative to review the facts and law of a case and make a recommendation to the court.