Joe Nacchio's attorneys and prosecutors grappled over lingering issues Friday in what could be the final pretrial hearing before Nacchio's insider-trading trial begins March 19.

Lead prosecutor Cliff Stricklin sought approval to rebut a defense challenge to the government's expert testimony. Defense attorney John Richilano complained about 20,000 pages of material that prosecutors have handed over since Feb. 1.

Nottingham said he hoped he wouldn't have to "referee" squabbles between the parties.

The two sides also met again in private to discuss classified government information that may be admitted at trial.

Nacchio faces 42 counts of insider trading in connection with selling $100.8 million of stock in 2001. He has pleaded not guilty.

Nottingham indicated that 12 jurors and up to six alternates will be seated for the trial.