a pretrail conference most likely would occur

A pretrail conference would occur before the hikers started on their trek.

Do you mean a Pre-trial conference?

A pretrial conference typically occurs before the start of a trial in a court case. It is a meeting between the parties involved in the case, such as the plaintiff, defendant, and their attorneys, along with the judge. The purpose of a pretrial conference is to discuss various matters related to the case and to facilitate the efficient and smooth conduct of the trial.

To determine when a pretrial conference is likely to occur in a specific case, you can follow these steps:

1. Check the local rules of the court: Every jurisdiction may have its own rules and procedures regarding pretrial conferences. These rules will outline when and how pretrial conferences should be conducted. These rules are typically available on the court's website or can be obtained from the court clerk.

2. Review the scheduling order: In many cases, the court will issue a scheduling order that sets the timeline for various stages of the litigation process, including the pretrial conference. The scheduling order will provide specific dates and deadlines for different events in the case, such as filing motions, completing discovery, and the pretrial conference.

3. Consult with the attorneys involved: If you are a party to the case, or if you are involved in assisting one of the parties, you can communicate with the attorneys representing the parties. They will have information on the expected timeline for the pretrial conference.

4. Contact the court clerk: If you are unable to find the information you need or have specific questions about a pretrial conference, you can contact the court clerk's office. The court clerk can provide information about upcoming court dates, including the pretrial conference.

Remember that the timing of a pretrial conference can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the local court procedures. It is crucial to check the specific rules and schedules applicable to your jurisdiction and case to determine when a pretrial conference is likely to occur.