This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
Before your small claims case goes to trial, the judge may want to meet with both sides first. This meeting is called a pre-trial conference. The judge will do this if it seems like talking things through ahead of time could make the trial shorter, clear up what the real disagreement is about, or help both sides share information that leads to a settlement.
This meeting is not automatic. The judge only calls one if it looks like it would actually help the case move faster or get resolved without a full trial. If you are asked to attend a pre-trial conference, it means the court is trying to save everyone time and possibly help you and the other party work things out on your own.
If a settlement happens during this conference, you may not need a trial at all. If not, the meeting still helps narrow down what issues the judge needs to decide, which can make the actual trial quicker and simpler for everyone involved.
