Upon assignment of cases by consent or referral to Judge McLaughlin, an initial status report typically will be ordered. See Judge McLaughlin’s Standing Order for Initial Status Report for the information to be included in the parties’ joint initial status report. Judge McLaughlin's Standing Order for Initial Status Report.

Consistent with the scope of the consent or referral, the Court will typically set discovery schedules, briefing schedules, and other deadlines and timetables at an 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. In some cases, the Court will set schedules and deadlines via minute orders.

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 McLaughlin's Standing Order for Settlement Conference. A settlement conference date and dates for the exchange of pre-settlement conference letters will be set at a status hearing.