Local Rule Local Civil Rule 16: Pretrial Conference

LOCAL CIVIL RULE 16

PRETRIAL CONFERENCE

(A) Applicability of Rule 16: Proceedings upon a defendant's default and matters involving habeas corpus petitions, other pro se prisoner petitions, bankruptcy proceedings, condemnation cases, forfeitures, and reviews from administrative agencies, are not subject to the provisions of this Local Rule, but the judge to whom any such case is assigned may, in his or her discretion, follow the procedure outlined herein in whole or in part in any case. (See Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b).)

(B) Initial Pretrial Conference and Order and Scheduling Order: In all other civil actions, as promptly as possible after a complaint or notice of removal has been filed, the Court shall schedule an initial pretrial conference to be conducted in accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b). In addition thereto, or in lieu thereof, not later than sixty (60) days from first appearance or ninety (90) days after service of the complaint, the Court shall enter an order fixing the cut-off dates for the respective parties to complete the processes of discovery, the date for a final pretrial conference and, whenever practicable, the trial date, and providing for any other administrative or management matters permitted by Fed. R. Civ. P. 16 or by law generally.

The parties and their counsel are bound by the dates specified in any such orders and no extensions or continuances thereof shall be granted in the absence of a showing of good cause. Mere failure on the part of counsel to proceed promptly with the normal processes of discovery shall not constitute good cause for an extension or continuance.