Local Rule RULE 7016–1: Pretrial Procedures

RULE 7016–1 Pretrial Procedures

(a) In all adversary proceedings, as promptly as possible after suit has been filed, the Court shall schedule an initial pretrial conference at which the trial attorney shall be present for the purposes of issuing a scheduling order fixing dates for: (1) the amendment of pleadings and joinder of additional parties; (2) the completion of discovery; (3) the filing and hearing of motions; and (4) a final pretrial conference and/or trial. If the parties submit a joint scheduling order substantially conforming with Official Form 107 Scheduling Order no later than 4:00 p.m. eastern time the day prior to the scheduled pretrial conference, the pretrial conference will be canceled.

(b) Continuance of Dates Set in Scheduling Order. The parties and their attorneys shall be bound by the dates specified in a scheduling order and extensions or continuances thereof shall not be granted in the absence of a showing of good cause. Mere failure on the part of an attorney to proceed promptly with the normal processes of discovery shall not constitute good cause for an extension or continuance.