Bench (Side-Bar) Conferences are a type of legal dispute resolution process used in civil litigation. They are an informal and non-binding alternative to traditional litigation, often used in the early stages of dispute resolution. Bench (Side-Bar) Conferences are typically conducted by a judge or magistrate in the presence of the parties involved in the dispute and their attorneys. During the conference, the judge or magistrate listens to the parties’ positions and attempts to facilitate an agreement. The two main types of Bench (Side-Bar) Conferences are Rule 16 Conferences and Discovery Conferences. Rule 16 Conferences are conducted at the early stages of a civil case, typically after the complaint has been filed but before discovery begins. During the conference, the parties and their attorneys discuss matters such as scheduling, exchange of documents, and the possibility of settlement. Discovery Conferences are conducted during the discovery process in order to address issues such as the scope and timing of discovery, document production, and the exchange of witness statements. Both types of Bench (Side-Bar) Conferences are generally conducted in open court, with all parties present. The judge or magistrate typically provides guidance to the parties and their attorneys, but the conferences do not usually involve any formal rulings or orders. The purpose of Bench (Side-Bar) Conferences is to facilitate a speedy resolution to the dispute, and to avoid more costly litigation.