What is a directions hearing and how should I prepare for it?

If you are involved in a legal dispute, you may be called before a court for a directions hearing. This is a short court appearance where a judge or registrar will make orders outlining the next steps that need to be taken to resolve the dispute.

In the NSW Supreme Court, a first directions hearing will usually be scheduled three months after the matter has entered the court list. This alerts all parties involved that there is a legal matter before the court.

First directions hearing encourages parties to reach an out-of-court settlement

In the first directions hearing, the judge or registrar will usually direct the parties to try to resolve the matter by mediation before it ends up in court.