Local Rule LR 16A: FINAL PRETRIAL CONFERENCE

LR 16A FINAL PRETRIAL CONFERENCE a. Representation at Final Pretrial Conference. Each party not proceeding pro se must be represented at any final pretrial conference by a lawyer who will participate in the trial, is familiar with the facts of the case, and has full authority to act on behalf of the party. All pro se parties also must appear.

b. Final Pretrial Conference Procedure. If a final pretrial conference is ordered in a civil case, the following procedures will apply. Before the final pretrial conference, any unrepresented parties and counsel for all represented parties must confer to prepare and sign a proposed final pretrial order in the form available on the courts' websites. If the plaintiff is represented, the plaintiff's counsel has the responsibility for initiating the conference to prepare the proposed final pretrial order, but if the plaintiff is proceeding pro se, the lawyer for the defendant must initiate the conference. All parties have a duty to ensure the proposed final pretrial order is prepared properly. The proposed final pretrial order must be submitted to the court at least 3 days before the date of the final pretrial conference. With prior permission from the federal judge holding the final pretrial conference, the conference may be conducted by telephone, but only when the parties have submitted to the court, at least 3 days before the date of the conference, the following: (1) a fully and properly completed proposed final pretrial order; and (2) a request for a telephonic final pretrial conference. When listing witnesses in the proposed final pretrial order, the parties should exercise caution about personal data identifiers. (See LR 10(g)).

c. Identification of Witnesses and Exhibits. The pretrial disclosure of witnesses and exhibits required by Local Rule 83E and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(3)(A) must be served at least 21 days before the final pretrial conference. These disclosures should not be filed.

d. Pretrial Filings. Trial briefs, proposed voir dire questions, statement of the case, and proposed jury instructions including a verdict form must be filed at least 3 days before the final pretrial conference.