に先立(さきだ)ちBefore, Prior to, In preference over

Being a combination of に and the う-Verb 先立(さきだ)つ 'to take the lead', or 'to precede', this structure connects to both nouns and verbs in their dictionary forms, to indicate that (B) is a preliminary step required for (A). It may be interpreted as 'before (A), (B)', 'prior to (A), (B)', or 'in preference over (A), (B)'.

Despite these several interpretations, the literal meaning of 'standing before (A), (B)' can be useful to remember, as it highlights the importance of (B) as a first step.

As 先立(さきだ)つ is a verb, it may be seen in its dictionary form when followed directly by another noun, or in its て-form when indicating the whole (B) phrase as preceding (A). Additionally, the formal-conjunctive form, 先立(さきだ)ち will often be used in preference of the て-form, as に先立(さきだ)つ is a formal grammar structure.

Fun-fact

先立(さきだ)つ may often be seen paired with 物(もの), and is a set expression in these cases that translates similarly to 'means' in English. This 'means' refers to the prerequisites required to enable something, and will usually appear in negative sentences, in order to show that one 'does not have the means to do (A)'.