The Court believes that parties can and should resolve most discovery disputes.  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, requires communication that takes place face-to-face or by telephone.  The Court prefers a face-to-face meeting; the mere exchange of correspondence, including e-mail, normally will not be sufficient to comply with Local Rule 37.2.  The Court considers failure to seriously engage in the meet-and-confer process to be grounds for denial of the motion.

All parties must be fully prepared to argue any discovery motion on the date it is noticed for presentment.  The Court ordinarily will decide discovery motions after oral argument and without briefing.  If Judge Weisman thinks a response to a motion is necessary, the presentment date may be stricken and another hearing date will be set as appropriate or the Court will rule on the papers submitted via the CM/ECF system.