Local Rule Civil Rule 37.1: CIVIL DISCOVERY MOTIONS

CIVIL RULE 37.1 CIVIL DISCOVERY MOTIONS

(A) OBLIGATION TO CONFER A party may not file a motion concerning a discovery or scheduling dispute (e.g., a motion to compel discovery, motion for sanctions, motion for protective order, or motion to amend scheduling order) until the parties have conferred, either in person, by telephone, or by other reliable, real-time electronic means, to make a reasonable, good faith effort to resolve the dispute without involving the court. A written demand for relief, including a demand through email, is not sufficient. The moving party must make a reasonable effort to confer, and the opposing party must make a reasonable effort to participate.

(B) OBLIGATION FOR CONFERENCE WITH MAGISTRATE JUDGE In addition to the requirements in subsection (A), the parties may not file a motion concerning a discovery or scheduling dispute until after the parties have participated in a conference with the assigned magistrate judge unless the court grants leave to file the motion. The parties must contact the chambers of the assigned magistrate judge to request a conference be scheduled.

(C) SANCTIONS FOR NON-COMPLIANCE A party's failure to comply with the requirements of this rule may result in the court summarily granting or denying the motion, as well as awarding costs and reasonable attorney's fees.