Local Rule LR16.1: Pretrial Orders and Conferences in Civil Actions

LR16.1 Pretrial Orders and Conferences in Civil Actions

(a) Pretrial Orders and Conferences. In accordance with Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the district judge or magistrate judge assigned to the case will ensure that Rule 16(b) is complied with and that a scheduling order is entered within the time set forth in the federal rule, except in the following classes of cases:

(1) Social Security cases;

(2) Petitions for relief under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2254 and 2255;

(3) Actions brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in which the plaintiff is pro se and is in the custody of either state or federal authorities;

(4) Bankruptcy appeals;

(5) Student loan cases.

(b) Authority of Counsel and Parties. At all pretrial conferences, each party who is not proceeding pro se shall be represented by an attorney who has the authority to bind that party regarding all matters identified by the Court for discussion at the conference and all reasonably related matters. If a settlement will be discussed at a pretrial conference, the Court may require that the parties or party representatives with full settlement authority be present at the pretrial conference or be available by telephone.

(c) Rule 16(b) Scheduling Conferences. These conferences may be conducted by a district judge, magistrate judge, or designee of the Court.