In addition to the pretrial scheduling conferences provided for by Rule 4:13, each trial court may, upon request of counsel of record, or in its own discretion, schedule a final pretrial conference within an appropriate time before the commencement of trial. In cases set for trial for five days or more, upon request of any counsel of record, made at least 45 days before trial, the court must schedule a final pretrial conference within an appropriate time before commencement of trial. At the final pretrial conference, which the trial court in its discretion may conduct in person or by telephone or by videoconference, the court and counsel of record may consider any of the following:
Rule 1:19.Pretrial Conferences.
Part One: General Rules Applicable to All Proceedings · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1:19 lets a trial court schedule a final pretrial conference before a civil or criminal trial and requires one when any counsel of record requests it at least forty-five days ahead in a case set for trial five or more days, covering matters like settlement, stipulations, witness limits, motions in limine, and jury instructions.
Full Text of Rule 1:19
(a) settlement;
(b) a determination of the issues remaining for trial and whether any amendments to the pleadings are necessary;
(c) the possibility of obtaining stipulations of fact, including, but not limited to, the admissibility of documents;
(d) a limitation of the number of expert and/or lay witnesses;
(e) any pending motions including motions in limine; (f) issues relating to proposed jury instructions; and
(g) such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the action.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1:19 covers the final pretrial conference — distinct from the pretrial scheduling conferences under Rule 4:13. Any trial court may schedule one, on request of counsel of record or on its own initiative, within a reasonable time before trial begins. That discretion turns into a requirement in longer cases: if a case is set for trial for five days or more, and any counsel of record requests a final pretrial conference at least forty-five days before trial, the court must schedule one.
The conference can happen in person, by telephone, or by videoconference, at the court’s discretion. At it, the court and counsel of record may take up settlement, which issues remain for trial and whether the pleadings need amending, possible stipulations of fact including document admissibility, limits on the number of expert or lay witnesses, pending motions including motions in limine, jury instruction issues, and any other matters that might help move the case toward disposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must a Virginia trial court hold a final pretrial conference?
When the case is set for trial for five days or more and any counsel of record requests the conference at least forty-five days before trial. Rule 1:19 makes scheduling mandatory in that situation.
Can a pretrial conference happen by phone or video instead of in person?
Yes. Rule 1:19 lets the trial court conduct the final pretrial conference in person, by telephone, or by videoconference, in its discretion.
What topics can come up at a final pretrial conference?
Settlement, the issues remaining for trial and any needed pleading amendments, stipulations of fact including document admissibility, limits on expert or lay witnesses, pending motions including motions in limine, jury instruction issues, and any other matters that could help dispose of the case.
How is Rule 1:19’s pretrial conference different from the one in Rule 4:13?
Rule 1:19 governs the final pretrial conference held closer to trial, in addition to — not instead of — the pretrial scheduling conferences that Rule 4:13 provides for.
Can a court hold a pretrial conference even if no one requests it?
Yes. Rule 1:19 lets the court schedule a final pretrial conference on its own discretion, even without a request from counsel, in any case.
Amendment History
Last amended by Order dated May 5, 2021; effective July 5, 2021.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, published by the
Supreme Court of Virginia. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: final pretrial conference VirginiaRule 1:19 Virginiamotions in limine pretrial conference Virginiascheduling trial conference Virginia civil case45 day pretrial conference request Virginia