Why is a conference necessary before attending court? I attended the Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court at a first appearance on a drink/drive case. The prosecution disclosure of evidence was minimal, and the court refused to grant an adjournment for me to properly consider the evidence. This situation has been created by government changes in law and procedure, in order to cut costs. Unfortunately, it may also lead to injustice. How can a lawyer test the evidence if he cannot analyse it? The only answer is to have a full conference in good time before the hearing takes place. An experienced lawyer can tease out the issues from his client, and apply to them his expert knowledge of the law. He is then able to advise his client whether to plead guilty, or go to trial. This is particularly important where maximum reduction is available for a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.