The court conducts a jurisdiction review on each case filed. If, in a diversity case, the plaintiff fails to specify the citizenship of each party or to plead the jurisdictional amount in controversy, the court will typically issue an order to show cause why the case should not be dismissed (or remanded) for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The court expects the parties to raise jurisdictional objections as soon as possible.

1. Conference Notice:

   The court issues a Notice of Scheduling Conference under Rule 16 and Rule 26(f) upon filing of the answer. On some occasions the fact that an Answer has been filed escapes the attention of the court, so if three weeks have passed since the Answer was filed with no Notice of Scheduling Conference having been issued, counsel should contact the court’s case manager to inquire.

2. Conference

   The court will conduct an off the record scheduling conference with trial counsel in chambers. Occasionally the court may require attendance of responsible parties. Conducting the conference with counsel by telephone may sometimes be permitted. The Notice outlines the usual areas of inquiry, and Plaintiff's counsel is expected to organize consultation upon receiving the defendant's Answer. Counsel may wish to refer to the court's suggested outline of a 26(f) plan.

1. Standing Orders

   The court does not have standing orders or other special pleading requirements for class actions or other civil claims, but may issue case-specific orders to clarify pleadings as required.

2. Magistrate Judge Jurisdiction

   The court will consider the parties' unanimous consent to permit the assigned Magistrate Judge to assume full jurisdiction pursuant to 28 USC § 636(c) and Fed.R.Civ.P. 73. Counsel should use the standard consent form if unanimous agreement to that effect is present.