Judge Finnegan encourages parties to consent to her jurisdiction so that she may preside over the entirety of the case, including ruling on dispositive motions and presiding over any trial. Because Judge Finnegan does not handle felony criminal cases, she generally is able to accommodate the requests of counsel for particular (and firm) trial dates. Parties are encouraged to read 28 U.S.C. § 636 and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73 regarding trial by consent and  discuss this option with their clients and opposing counsel.

Magistrate Judge Consent Form