1. (1) By order of the court, counsel and the parties, and any additional parties in interest, may be directed to attend a pre-argument conference before a special master or such other person as may be designated by the Appellate Division.

2. (2) Within 10 days after an order directing a pre-argument conference, counsel for respondent shall file a counterstatement, together with proof of service, setting forth:

   1. (i) the issues proposed to be raised on the appeal, if respondent disagrees with the issues identified by appellant in the informational statement filed pursuant to section 1250.3 of this Title;
   2. (ii) the extent to which respondent challenges the assertions made in the informational statement; and
   3. (iii) an explanation of the grounds for granting the relief sought by respondent.
3. (3) Upon the conclusion of the conference, if the parties have entered into a stipulation the court shall file an order of approval.

(a) Pre-Argument Conference Program.