Purpose and Scope (a) Purpose. The Court recognizes that full, formal litigation of claims can impose large economic burdens on parties and can delay resolution of disputes for considerable periods. T

Commentary The Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998, 28 U.S.C. §§ 651-58, requires each federal district court to authorize by local rule the use of at least one ADR process in all civil actions. In accordance with § 651(c), the Court has examined the effectiveness of its ADR programs and has adopted improvements consistent with the Act. (b) Scope. These ADR Local Rules are effective May 1, 2018, and shall govern actions pending or commenced on or after that date.

These rules supplement the Civil Local Rules of the Court and, except as otherwise indicated, apply to all civil actions filed in this Court. Cases subject to these ADR Local rules also remain subject to the other local rules of the Court. (c) Magistrate Judges Consent Cases. In cases initially assigned to a Magistrate Judge, even prior to the filing of consents by all parties to jurisdiction by a Magistrate Judge under 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), the Magistrate Judge shall have the authority to refer cases to ADR programs and to grant relief from the requirements of these ADR local rules.

Consents or declinations shall be filed in advance of any Mediation, ENE, or settlement conference proceeding under these rules.

USDC ADR

Local Rules – Effective May 1, 2018 ADR-1