New Policy on Agreed Walk In Prehearings

I received a notification that there can be a new approach in some prehearings. It appears to allow some quick prehearings without much paperwork if the parties agree. This will take effect next month. My only concern is that no one wants to be surprised so if you want to know, in advance, the precise issues and likely arguments you do not agree to this abbreviated approach. I do think it would be useful in some circumstances where the parties have attorneys and

are desirious of clarification of a clear issue. This is what was sent out on this new approach: The Prehearing Unit of the Division of Workers’ Compensation is instituting a new procedure, designed to cut down on paperwork and time spent scheduling prehearing conferences. It is called the Walk-In Prehearing Conference. The Walk-In Prehearing requires no notice to the Division, and will be held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings of each month beginning in January, 2013 (January 9 and 23). The guidelines for a Walk-In Prehearing are: 1. All sides must agree to a Walk-In Prehearing Conference. 2. All sides must appear in person. If one is a no-show, there will be no prehearing conference. 3. Walk-In Prehearings are not available for issues involving pro se litigants. 4. The parties must exchange some type of documented notification of the issues to be heard at the Walk-In Prehearing. This can be done by email, fax, etc. A copy should not be sent to the Division, but should be available at the Walk-In Prehearing. 5. No reservation or paperwork is needed. Upon arrival, the parties sign in on a registration log. First come, first served. 6. Walk-In Prehearing Conferences will be for the consideration of any prehearing issue, but will not be used for mediating settlements. 6. Walk-In Prehearing Conferences will be held from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.