General:All case management conferences handled by telephone conferences. Staff attorney and Judge read and review every file before it is placed on a particular track. Court operates on a four track system, with the shortest track being 90 days and the longest being one year.

Pre-Trials: Judge always conducts pre-trials personally. "In-state" parties must be present at final pre-trial conference and must have full authority to settle. "Out-of-state" parties may participate by phone and also must have full authority to settle.

Motion Practice: Counsel should provide Court with courtesy copy of all pleadings. All motions are ruled upon within seven days of responsive brief filing.

Discovery: The Court has an "open" discovery policy, all material is to be provided unless it is privileged, or clearly outside the scope of discovery.

Settlement Conference: May be arranged by the parties through agreement and consultation as to date with the Judge's staff attorney.

Calendaring and Continuances: Cases are assigned to one of four tracks based on the subject matter and amount in controversy. These tracks are: 90 days, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year. Continuances of discovery cutoff dates are usually granted as long as the final pre-trial and trial dates remain unaffected.

Trials: Trial briefs, witness lists, and exhibit lists are due 7 days before trial. Video deposition testimony, objections thereto, and motions in limine are due 7 days before trial. Jury instructions in hard copy on computer disk are due on the day of trial. All exhibits for each party should be marked and placed in a binder for use by the Court. Exhibits may be used in opening only if both parties agree. No time limit on voir dire. Jurors are permitted to take notes. Jurors may speak to attorneys after trial at their own discretion. Require counsel to stand, wherever they want, when addressing the Court and witnesses.

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