General:Attorneys should be prepared to discuss settlement at the earliest opportunity. Mediation and arbitration will be used in cases where appropriate. Court expects to move its docket quickly and efficiently with the goal of disposing of cases within one year of filing.

Pre-Trials: Case Management Conferences are conducted via telephone. Plaintiff's counsel is to initiate the call with all other counsel present to the Court to 216-443-5406. Staff Attorney will handle CMC. Judge will handle CMC upon request of the parties, or CMC can be conducted in person at the request of the parties. Such requests must be communicated to the Court one week prior to the scheduled CMC. Judge will attempt to handle all pre trials, status conferences, and final pre trials. Lead counsel and/or individuals with full settlement authority and parties are required to be present at the final pre trial. Insurance adjusters are required to be present at the final pre trial and trial. Deadlines, merits, procedural issues, and settlement will be discussed during pre trials. Default Hearings: Plaintiff is not required to be present at this hearing. Plaintiff's attorney to submit the following at the default hearing:

1. Affidavit of service, both via certified and regular mail, of the notice of the default hearing
2. Affidavit of damages
3. Proposed journal entry

Evidence of damages such as bills or account statements must be included in the file before default judgment can be rendered. If damages are unliquidated, this case may be set for an additional hearing to assess damages.

Motion Practice:  Parties must initiate a telephone conference with the Court before filing a motion to compel. Staff Attorney will handle scheduling conflicts, filing deadlines, pending motions, and discovery disputes. Counsel should provide a courtesy copy to the Judge of trial briefs, proposed jury instructions, and dismissal entries. Oral arguments only as required by Civil Rules. Motions in limine shall be submitted in writing prior to trial.

Discovery: Discovery schedule set at the CMC. Attorney to make all reasonable efforts to settle discovery disputes before filing with the Court. Extensions may be granted if timely requested and for good cause shown.

Settlement Conference: Will be scheduled upon request. Lead counsel, parties, and individuals with full settlement authority must be present. Judge takes an active role in settlement discussions.

Calendaring and Continuances: Continuances should be requested by written motion. Extensions of discovery without Court consent allowed only as long as both sides are in agreement and extension does not affect the final pre trial or trial date. Last minute contiuances will not be granted

Trials: Click Here for printable copy of Civil Jury Trial Order

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