I. General / Professionalism

Be early, prepared and know the law. Call in advance with any problems only after you have spoken with all other parties. No matter how unimportant the topic, make sure that you have attempted in good faith to reach the other side before you speak with me.

II. Status Conferences

At the request of the parties, a status conference by phone or in-person can be scheduled.

III. Continuances

With the consent of the parties and where the continuance will not cause undue delay, continuances are normally easy to receive. That comes with an understanding that the need for a continuance is outside of the control of the requesting party or parties.

IV. Amendment to Case Scheduling Order

Once the trial has been referred to me, the parties may request that the schedule be changed. Again, once the parties have tried to work the matter out then contact me. At that point, most reasonable requests to change the scheduling will be accepted.

V. Damages Hearings

You are required to meet your burden of proof even when there is no party contesting the matter. Have documents marked and ready to present to the court.

VI. Mediation / Settlement

I do not require pre-mediation statements. However, I attempt to review all documents submitted in advance of the mediation. Therefore, if you want to submit a statement feel free. If one or all parties are truly not going to negotiate, that should be brought to the attention of the parties first and then the parties should speak to me to see if the mediation will still be required.

Trials

VII. General

Be early, prepared and know the law. Call in advance with any problems only after you have spoken with all other parties. No matter how unimportant the topic, make sure that you have attempted in good faith to reach the other side before you speak with me.

VIII. Final Pre-Trial Conferences / Final Pre-Trial Orders

I normally issue a pre-trial order that covers the topic of trial briefs and motions in limine. I do not normally set a pre-trial conference but I do inform the parties of their ability to request a pre-trial conference if necessary.

IX. Exhibits

Every effort should be made to have agreed or joint exhibits at trial. All exhibits should be pre-labeled if not already pre-marked.

X. Stipulations

Clearly stipulations are preferred when possible.

XI. Motions in Limine

No motions in limine will be ruled upon unless filed more than 7 days before the trial.

XII. Method for Voir Dire

I ask the standard statutory questions and give a brief agreed-to description of the case. A reasonable amount of time per side will be given to the parties to conduct the voir dire.

XIII. Jurors

I allow the parties to make their challenges out of the presence of the jury.