Local Rule LR 16.3: Conferences of Attorneys

LR 16.3 Conferences of Attorneys.

(a) In each civil action, lead counsel for each party shall confer at least fourteen (14) days prior to the initial case management conference to consider the matters set forth on the court's case management form, as set forth in Appendix A to these rules, and shall thereafter file a concise joint case management statement consisting of the completed case management form. It shall be the duty of counsel for the plaintiff to take the initiative in holding such a conference and in assuring the completion and filing of the joint case management plan form. The filing of this form satisfies the requirement of a proposed discovery plan under Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(f). The joint case management form shall be filed seven (7) days prior to the case management conference. The information in the case management form will not be deemed an admission by any party.

(b) At least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the final pretrial conference, lead counsel for each of the parties shall meet and confer for the purpose of attempting to enter into agreements with respect to the subjects referred to in Fed.R.Civ.P.16 and to discuss settlement of the action. It shall be the duty of counsel for the plaintiff to take the initiative in holding such a conference and initiating discussion concerning settlement and to report to the court at the final pretrial conference the results of efforts to arrive at settlement. At the conference all exhibits which any party intends to introduce at trial whether on the case in chief or in rebuttal shall be examined, numbered and listed. Only exhibits so listed shall be offered in evidence at the trial, except for good cause shown. Counsel shall attempt in good faith to agree as to the authenticity and admissibility of such exhibits insofar as possible and note an objection to any not so agreed upon. Counsel shall attempt in good faith to agree insofar as possible upon a comprehensive written statement of all undisputed facts which statement shall be included in plaintiff's pretrial memorandum. Lists of potential witnesses with their addresses shall be exchanged.