Upon assignment of cases by consent or referral to Judge Jantz, an initial status conference generally will be set by means of a minute order (except in Social Security cases).  The parties are required to file a joint status report (of not more than 5 pages) and deliver a courtesy copy at least 3 business days before the initial status hearing unless otherwise ordered by the court.  See Judge Jantz’s Standing Order for Initial Status Report for the information to be included in the parties’ joint initial status report. 

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Consistent with the scope of the consent or referral, the court will set discovery schedules, briefing schedules, and other deadlines and timetables at the initial status conference. Accordingly, the lead trial counsel for each party, or an attorney with substantial familiarity with and responsibility for the case, shall appear at the initial status conference and be prepared to discuss all aspects of the case.

A joint status report is not required in cases that are referred solely for a settlement conference, unless otherwise specifically ordered by the court.  For cases referred solely for a settlement conference, see Judge Jantz’s Standing Order for Settlement Conference Procedures. /PrintContent.aspx?cmpid=1149

A settlement conference date, and dates for the exchange of pre-settlement conference letters, will be set at the initial status hearing or conference call in those cases.

To the extent consistent with the scope of the consent or referral, the parties should be prepared to discuss the following subjects at the initial status hearing:

I.       The Nature of the Case

A.      The basis for federal jurisdiction.

B.      Whether all necessary parties have been named and served.

C.      The general nature of the claims asserted in the complaint and any counterclaims, and the major contested legal and factual issues.

D.      The relief sought by plaintiff.

E.      Whether a jury trial is requested, and the probable length of trial.

II.      Pending Motions and Case Plan

          A.      Identify the nature of any pending or anticipated motions.

          B.      Submit a proposed discovery plan, including:

1.       The type of discovery needed to engage in meaningful settlement negotiations;

2.       Date for Rule 26(a)(1) disclosures;

3.       Date to issue written discovery;

4.       Fact discovery completion date;

5.       Expert discovery completion date, including dates for serving expert reports; and

6.       Date for filing dispositive motions.

C.      Discuss the anticipated scope, if any, of electronic stored information (ESI) in the case and the potential methodologies for identifying ESI for production.

III.     Settlement Discussions

A.      Describe whether any settlement discussions have occurred and the status of the discussions.

B.      Indicate whether the parties believe a settlement conference would be productive.