Research documenting the effectiveness of this approach in both civil and criminal cases is cited, with emphasis on benefits to judges, attorneys, and court administrators. The use of telephone conferencing in a variety of hearings is outlined, and the scheduling, initiating, conducting, recording, and equipment requirements are described. Questions to consider in planning a telephone hearing and examples of formal rule changes used to permit telephone conferencing are presented. Addresses of additional information sources and a list of four references are also given.