日本語道場 — Nihongo Dojo

～に先立って

~ni sakidatte

prior to

When to use it

Use ～に先立って when stating that something is done in advance of a scheduled event or formal undertaking — a launch, a signing, a general meeting, a site visit. It is stiffer and more ceremonial than 前に, so it belongs in written notices, agendas, press releases and speeches rather than casual conversation. The following action is normally a deliberate preparation (説明会, 確認, 挨拶), not a mere time reference.

Formation

Noun + に先立って / に先立ち: 会議に先立って、開会に先立ち — the standard form; the noun is usually a 動作性名詞 (発売, 締結, 着工, 面談).
に先立ち is the 連用形 variant, preferred in written and formal spoken register (announcements, minutes).
Noun-modifying: に先立つ + Noun: 交渉に先立つ準備, 上場に先立つ手続き.
Verbs: not attached directly. Nominalize first — 移転するのに先立って is possible but stilted; 移転に先立って is standard.
i-adjectives / na-adjectives: do not attach.

Examples

Prior to the negotiations, we will organize both parties' terms.
Ahead of the new product's release, we will hold an internal briefing.
Prior to the shareholders' meeting, the audit report will be presented.
Please carry out the final check that precedes signing the contract.
Before breaking ground, we finished briefing the local residents.