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name: hearing-prep-summary language: en description: Produces a quick-reference hearing preparation summary synthesizing pleadings, evidence, witnesses, and governing law into issue matrices, exhibit cross-references, and procedural checklists. Use when preparing for motion hearings, evidentiary hearings, trials, administrative or arbitration hearings, or when asked for "hearing prep," "trial prep summary," "hearing brief," or "prep memo."

Hearing Preparation Summary

Single document that orients counsel, frames issues, and serves as a fast in-hearing reference. Covers every hearing type—motion, evidentiary, trial, administrative, arbitration.

Prerequisites

Gather before starting:

1. Hearing notice/order (date, time, forum, scope)
2. Operative pleadings and amendments
3. Key motions, briefs, and oppositions
4. Docket sheet and relevant prior orders
5. Evidence: exhibits, declarations, discovery excerpts, transcripts
6. Witness list with contact info and prior statements
7. Applicable rules and authorities (or a request to research them)

Output Sections

Fill every section that applies. Omit sections that are irrelevant to the hearing scope.

1. Hearing Snapshot

Field	Value
Hearing type
Date / time
Location / courtroom / link
Judge / officer / panel
Matter(s) set
Time limits
Burdens of proof
Applicable rules

2. Case Background

5–10 chronological, fact-only bullets with source citations.

3. Procedural Posture

Item	Date	Source	Impact
Complaint / petition
Answer / response
Key motions / rulings
Pending issues

4. Issues Matrix

Core section. One row per disputed issue.

Issue	Standard	Moving party position	Opposing position	Key facts	Key authorities	Evidence tie-ins

5. Legal Standards & Authorities

Include pin cites when available. Flag uncertain citations with [VERIFY].

Issue	Statute / Rule	Leading cases	Notes

6. Evidence & Exhibits

Exhibit ID	Description	Authenticity status	Relevance to issue	Sponsor witness

7. Witnesses

Witness	Role	Expected testimony	Prior statements	Cross targets	Impeachment

8. Evidentiary / Procedural Flags

Include only what is relevant:

• Foundation / authentication gaps to cure
• Hearsay risks and available exceptions
• Motions in limine status and rulings
• Likely objections from each side
• Expert admissibility issues (methodology, qualifications, relevance)

9. Strategy & Risk

Strengths	Weaknesses	Opponent likely themes	Recommended responses	Settlement / stipulation leverage

10. Hearing Logistics & Deadlines

• Briefing or exhibit exchange deadlines
• Required filings (trial brief, witness list, exhibit list, proposed order)
• Tech needs (presentation, video, remote witness)
• Courtroom procedures (local rules, standing orders)
• Interpreter or accessibility needs

11. Examination Outlines

Include only if testimony is expected.

Witness: [Name]
Purpose: [Theme + issue]
Direct:
  - Topic 1: [Q objectives]
  - Topic 2: [Q objectives]
Cross:
  - Topic 1: [Impeachment / concession]
  - Topic 2: [Contradiction / bias]

12. Open Items

Actionable items with owner and due date if known.

Guardrails

• Cite sources for every factual assertion and quote.
• Separate facts from arguments; label advocacy explicitly.
• Never assume law or local rules—verify and mark uncertainties with [VERIFY].
• Prefer tables and checklists over narrative.
• Stay within hearing scope; omit unrelated case history.
• Note jurisdiction and forum in the Hearing Snapshot; adjust standards accordingly.