a.  Discovery Motions
The Court will not hear or consider any discovery motions unless the parties have complied with the meet and confer requirement under Local Rule 37.2. Any discovery motion must state with specificity when and how the movant complied with Local Rule 37.2.

Parties are reminded that compliance with Local Rule 37.2 requires a good faith effort to resolve discovery disputes and, other than in exceptional circumstances, communication that takes place face to face or by telephone. The mere exchange of correspondence will not normally be sufficient to comply with Local Rule 37.2.

All parties must be fully prepared to orally argue any discovery motion on the date that it is presented. The Court may decide discovery motions after oral argument at the motion call and without briefing. If after argument the Court believes that the motion requires briefing, the Court normally will set an expedited briefing schedule so that the matter can be resolved promptly.

b. Other Motions
The meet and confer requirement can have the same effect on other disputes that it has in connection with discovery disputes. A candid discussion between the parties prior to filing motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and motions in limine, among others, can limit the scope of such motions or eliminate the need for them to be filed at all. Any joint/agreed/unopposed motion should be so identified in the title and body of the motion. If there is an objection, the movant must note that fact in the body of the motion.

Thus, the Court will apply the meet and confer requirement not just to discovery motions, but to all motions that a party wishes to file. The comments above concerning what must be done to comply with the meet and confer requirement will be applied with equal force, and in the same way, with respect to all other motions.

c. Motions for Extension of Time
No motion for an extension of time to file pleadings or to comply with other time requirements will be entertained by Judge Schneider unless the movant includes in the motion a statement (1) that the movant has sought the other side's agreement to the extension and (2) specifying the result of that request.

A motion for extension of time shall prominently identify the current deadline. In addition, the motion must indicate (1) the reason for the extension request, and (2) the number of previous extensions.
                                        
Rev. 01/16/25