Informal Conference to Settle Discovery Disputes

With respect to all motions or objections relating to discovery pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 through 37 and 45, this court shall refuse to hear any such motion or objection unless counsel for movant first advises the court in writing that counsel personally have met and conferred in good faith and, after a sincere attempt to resolve differences, have been unable to reach an accord. However, no personal conference shall be required where the movant’s counsel represents to the court in writing that movant’s counsel has conferred with opposing counsel by telephone and (1) the motion or objection arises from failure to timely make a discovery response, or (2) distance between counsels’ offices renders a personal conference infeasible. When the locations of counsels’ offices, which will be stated with 21 particularity by movant, are in the same city or within 30 miles of each other, a personal conference is always deemed feasible as to distance.

VII.

TRIALS.