A requirement in some jurisdictions that parties to a suit must meet and discuss various matters and attempt to resolve disputes without court action. For example, Rules 26 and 37 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure may require the parties to discuss the nature and basis of their claims and defenses, the possibilities of settling or resolving the case, or discovery issues, such as issues about preserving discoverable information or developing a discovery plan. State and local courts often have similar requirements. Some courts have held that the meet and confer rule requires personal consultation, either in person or by telephone, or that the parties attempt to directly confer with one another. The purpose of meet and confer rules is to save the parties time and money and increase judicial economy by encouraging parties to resolve their disputes without the need for court intervention.
[Last updated in July of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team]