General:The judge shall be accessible in person or via teleconference throughout the discovery period to address discovery disputes or other discovery related issues. The Court favors arbitration and mediation in appropriate cases. Court will designate a case for compulsory, binding arbitration if both parties agree to binding arbitration. Attorneys should be prepared for court appearances and conduct themselves with professionalism. Attorneys should adhere to the trial schedule and plan ahead with one another to move the case along efficiently. Attorneys should involve their clients and respect the parties' role in the process. Attorneys should be will versed in the issues involved in their case. This Court promotes settlement, mediation, and well-prepared cases. If a trial is necessary, be prepared to proceed as scheduled.

Pre-Trials: Judge conducts case management, pre-trail, and status conferences. Court requires lead trial counsel to be present at case management and pre-trial/status conferences. Judge allows case management, pre-trial ,status conferences, and settlement conferences by phone, upon request. Judge conducts final pre-trail conference and requires lead trial counsel, individual with authority, and parties to be present.

Motion Practice: Counsel should look at docket regarding filing deadlines for motions and briefs. Counsel should contact the Judge with concerns about pending but unruled motions and discovery disputes. Counsel required to provide Judge with copies of all filings. Allows oral arguments on motions. Motions in limine should b submitted in writing and prior to trial.

Discovery: Judge requires a scheduling order. Discovery timeline is 90 days or 120 days, on a case specific basis. Judge allows extension of discovery deadlines ether at pre-trial discussion or by motion. Discovery may continue by agreement after the deadline with out court intervention if the dispositive motion and trial dates are not altered.

Settlement Conference: Court will hold settlement conferences with parties when appropriate in the case. Court requires lead trial counsel, parties and individual with authority to be present at the settlement conferences. The Court will set a settlement conference at any time at the request of the parties.

Calendaring and Continuances: Not Available at this time.

Trials: Parties should mark trial exhibits and provide exhibit lists to the court one-week prior to trial. Requires the filing of trial briefs and jury instructions seven days before trial. No time limit on voir dire. Court does not allow jurors to take notes or ask questions during trial. Court will admit exhibits at appropriate time. Court will send exhibits to jury when they deliberate. Court views jury instructions on computer diskette a good idea, but not required. The Court does not permit speaking objections during trial unless the basis can be reduced to one word, i.e. hearsay, relevance, leading. The Court, if requested in advance, shall permit witnesses to be presented via video teleconference in the Court's Educational Center located on the 12th floor of the Justice Center.

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