Civil Initial Pretrial Conference; Scheduling Order

Within 140 days after the filing of a complaint or notice of removal, the judge will conduct an initial pretrial conference under Fed.R.Civ.P 16 and enter a scheduling order, except in these types of cases: A. Prisoner civil rights; B. State and federal habeas corpus; C. Student and veteran loan; D. Social security appeals; E. Bankruptcy appeals; and F. Forfeiture of seized assets. A judge may conduct an initial pretrial conference and enter a scheduling order in any of the types of cases excepted. A scheduling order setting cut-off dates for new parties, motions, expert witnesses and discovery, setting a trial date, and establishing a time framework for disposition of motions will be entered at the conference. Should there be an earlier Rule 26(f) discovery conference, the scheduling order may be entered at that conference.

Additional pretrial/settlement /discovery conferences may be scheduled by the Court as the need is identified. By individual notice, the Court will require attendance at conferences “by an attorney who has the authority to bind that party regarding all matters . . .” 28 U.S.C. § 473(b)(2).