"At the conference the court may, among other things, examine its jurisdiction, simplify and define issues, consolidate cases, establish the briefing schedule, set limitations on the length of briefs, and explore the possibility of settlement."
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Rule 33: Prehearing Conference
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Dec. 1, 2018http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/rules-procedures/rules/rules.htm