The Court generally schedules a scheduling conference after the Answer is filed. If more than one defendant is named in the Complaint, the Court typically schedules the conference after all defendants have filed Answers, unless to do so will cause significant delay. If a dispositive motion is filed in lieu of an Answer, the Court generally will hold the Case Management Status and Scheduling Conference (when necessary) after the motion is decided. This may occur the same day as the motion hearing if the Court rules from the bench. A notice generally will be sent within one to two weeks after a responsive pleading is filed. No later than four (4) business days prior to the scheduling conference, the parties must submit a Rule 26(f) plan as described in the Notice.

At the Case Management Status and Scheduling Conference the Court will issue a phase one Phase I Scheduling Order.pdf. If a dispositive motion is filed after the close of discovery and the case survives the motion, the Court will issue a Phase II Scheduling Order.pdf with trial-related dates. The parties should refer to the other areas of this Court’s Practice Guidelines for information relevant to the dates/activities set forth in the Court’s Scheduling Orders.